Do Graze Horses Need Planning Permission?

If you use the field to house, graze and exercise the horses will you need to seek planning permission? The short answer is yes.

Can you graze horses on agricultural land UK?

It’s illegal to graze or abandon horses on public and private land. This is known as ‘fly grazing’. The National Equine and Welfare Council has published guidance on fly-grazed horses in England for the general public and private landowners.

How many horses can you have per acre in the UK?

The BHS recommends a ratio of one horse per 0.4-0.6 hectares on permanent grazing (1-1.5 acres per horse).

Can you have a horse in your backyard UK?

As long as you have permission to keep the horses on your previously residential land (i.e. in your garden) and you are keeping the horses for ‘personal enjoyment’ you may not be required to obtain planning permission to build stables.

How big does a field have to be for a horse?

As a general rule, each horse requires about 0.5 – 1.0 hectares (or 1.25 to 2.5 acres) of grazing of a suitable quality if no extra feeding is being provided. Each donkey requires a minimum of 0.2 – 0.4 hectares (a half to one acre).

Can I graze horses on agricultural land?

The key is that the horses are only on the land for the primary purpose of “grazing”. If the horses are given supplemental feed, kept in a field for exercise, covered with rugs or if they are provided with a field shelter then the predominant use of the land may no longer be regarded as agricultural.

Can you get planning permission on grazing land?

In short, getting planning permission on agricultural land isn’t easy, which is why you need the help of a professional to guide through the process. You should speak to a professional who has experience in agricultural development and who will set you on the right path.

How many horses can you graze to an acre?

Generally, with excellent management, one horse can be kept on as little as 0.4 hectares (one acre). Life will be a lot easier at one horse on 0.8 hectares (two acres). If running horses together, an owner would be doing exceptionally well to maintain a ratio of one horse per 0.4 hectares (one acre).

Can I keep 2 horses on 1 acre?

In general, professionals recommend two acres for the first horse and an additional acre for each additional horse (e.g., five acres for four horses). And, of course, more land is always better depending on the foraging quality of your particular property (70% vegetative cover is recommended).

How long should you let a horse graze?

The horses graze until they have removed about 50% of the forage, so 3-4″ of forage should remain. This is called the “Take Half, Leave Half” rule. The grazing period should take no longer than 7 days, and forage should not be grazed any lower than 3″.

Do I need permission to keep a horse in my garden?

The short answer is yes. Planning permission will be required where there is a ‘material change’ in the use of the land from agriculture to the keeping of horses for leisure purposes.

Can a horse be left at pasture?

Most horses and ponies thrive on being kept out on grass for as much time as possible. However, keeping a horse permanently on grass can be as time consuming for the owner as it is to keep a horse partly housed.

Can you put a horse out to pasture?

Begin by turning the horse out to pasture for only 15 minutes a day, preferably after he has eaten his hay. Continue the 15 minutes of grazing for several days and then increase turnout time in 10 minute increments each day until the horse is grazing for 3 to 4 hours each day.

How big should a paddock be for 4 horses?

Recommendations for size vary, but a general guideline is 72 to 144 square feet per averaged sized horse, assuming all horses in the herd get along. If horses do not get along or are larger in size, you may need to provide more space.

Can a horse live off just grass?

Yes horses can and do survive and thrive, on grass alone, and have done so for millions of years, IN THE WILD, but they generally also browse on some various other plants, depending on where and when.

Can you have a horse on 1/4 acre?

In general, most horses require at least one to two acres of land per horse. One acre may be sufficient in areas with lush grass and plenty of rainfall. However, in drier climates or during periods of drought, two or more acres may be necessary to provide enough grass for grazing.

Can you graze horses on common land?

Commoners graze their livestock (sheep, cows, ponies) on Common Land. This use of land for pasture -without ploughing or planting -has protected landscapes for over 1,000 years.

Can you put stables on a grazing land?

If you are changing agricultural land use into land that’s to be used for horses, you will require planning permission to do so. As horses generally are not considered agricultural animals, changing how your land is utilised is considered ‘change of use’.

Is a pony paddock agricultural land?

Paddock is almost always agricultural land meaning it is not within the curtilge of the house. The uses you describe should be fine. Whatever you do do not place anything that could be classed as residential on the site.

What can you put on land without planning permission?

23 Projects You Can Do Without Planning Permission

• Interior renovations.
• Single-storey extensions.
• Build a conservatory without planning permission.
• Erect a multi-storey extensions.
• Repair, replace or add windows.
• Loft conversion.
• Replace roof.
• Install rooflights.

What can you put on agricultural land without planning permission?

If your farm is 5 hectares or more, you have the right to erect, extend or alter a building. The types of permitted development include temporary uses of land, agricultural buildings below a certain size, forestry buildings, caravan sites and related buildings in some circumstances.