Equestrian Facility on an estate with Grade II* Listed Country House

Our clients (keen polo players) were new owners of a beautiful Wiltshire country estate – the house dating back to 1690 – and wanted to reclaim the equestrian facilities for their own use.
The previous owners having run the existing riding school, manège and stables commercially.

^{Photo credit Richmond Bell Architects}

The Brief

To submit planning for a new stable block, situated to the west of the riding school. Converting the commercial riding school into a private riding stable, with canter track and horse walker.

Our Approach

Conservation Consideration
Although situated outside the Conservation Area, there were established trees along the boundary, so we involved a Tree Consultant, who reviewed the tree Root Protection Area to ensure the proposed canter track would be outside it and not damage any roots.

Because the riding school is part of an estate with a country house built in the 17th Century, the area had the potential to be of archaeological significance. There are lots of them in the Wiltshire area. So, we liaised with an archaeologist as part of our research. He assessed the site and wrote his report for submission alongside our planning application.

It’s worth knowing… if an archaeologist finds evidence of ruins or a settlement, the council will automatically request to see an archaeologists’ report before planning can be approved.

The Result

By conducting all the investigations upfront, we were able to secure planning approval, 8 weeks from submitting the application. Planning was approved and the archaeologist was happy to be present, monitoring the works on dig-day!

^{Photo credit Richmond Bell Architects}