01/01/2026
DO YOU WANT PLANNING REFORM? WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE EQUESTRIAN INDUSTRY RECOGNISED AS A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO THE RURAL ECONOMY? At present the Government are consulting on a proposed revision to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This is a good time to approach Members of Parliament to put forward arguments for amendments. I have worked as a planning consultant for almost 20 years and have kept horses for most of my life. Through both professional experience and extensive engagement with equestrian communities nationwide, a consistent issue arises: small-scale equestrian development is increasingly difficult to secure planning permission for, often without sound justification. In some parts of the country, some people struggle to get permission even for a small field shelter and the costs can be exorbitant, with tree surveys, ecology surveys and BNG.
I am seeking a change in national policy to treat equestrian development more equitably alongside agriculture and forestry. Equestrian land is managed in a similar way to livestock grazing, and small-scale equestrian buildings are typically modest, rural in character, and generally smaller than agricultural buildings. They are essential not only for land management, but for animal welfare, as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Shelter, hardstanding, and secure facilities are necessary for veterinary care, farriery, protection from increasingly extreme weather, and to prevent welfare issues caused by prolonged exposure to mud.
The equestrian sector is also a major contributor to rural communities. It employs over 250,000 people and generates approximately £5 billion annually in consumer spending, alongside a further £1.2 billion in social value through physical health, mental wellbeing and community benefits (The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) National Equestrian Survey 2023). Despite this, equestrianism is still treated in planning terms largely as a hobby, rather than as a land-based rural enterprise comparable to farming or forestry.
I have written to my MP and responded to the Draft NPPF Consultation document (December 2025) relating specifically to development within the Green Belt. If you want to see the equestrian industry more favourably recognised at national level, then please consider writing to your MP. If you would like to respond to the NPPF consultation, then follow the link below. A change in planning policy is an uphill battle, but some changes have already been announced that are a definite improvement. For example the BNG de minimis exemption currently applies to very small developments of less than 25m² of area habitat (like grassland) and less than 5m of linear habitat (like a hedge or watercourse). This exemption is proposed to be expanded to include development up to 0.2 ha (0.5 acre) which will make a huge difference to lots of equestrian developments.
If we don’t inform those that create the policy of the issues many people face, in relation to equestrian development, then nothing will change.
Update consultation to NPPF 2026 - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/national-planning-policy-framework-proposed-reforms-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system?fbclid=IwY2xjawO-SFFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB3d1FLNU42V3ZjYUVpRURCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqHYKuBtyoN9sOko__2Hb6QpbsRFO2zKw2q_BW9DUwwx-oRY1QnRtTVHQmox_aem_3LjecvDrO5LrOpJkchPrbw
We are seeking views on a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system.
