National Planning Policy Framework
October 2011
Neighborhood Plans will give communities direct power to plan the areas in which they live and this may include the provision of further public access for recreational use. If you have a horse, you should make sure that you also have a voice!
Nigel Sheppard who is involved in the sale and letting of equestrian property does not feel that the NPPF will impact by increasing country rides in rural areas but that the 'urban rider' may stand to benefit the most. Local communities, particularly on the fringe of towns and urban areas, will be able to designate and protect areas of 'Green Space' that are important to local life. Whilst walking and cycling are usually accommodated as part of a sustainable transport system, access for horses may have to be promoted as a 'voice' from within local communities. If equestrian users are to benefit from these opportunities they will need to work together or they risk being overlooked. Many recreational riders live and keep their horses on the fringe of cities and in urban environments. These riders stand to benefit more than their rural cousins.
The rural team at Symonds and Sampson anticipate that a presumption in favour of 'sustainable development in open countryside' will lead to an increase in equestrian tied properties and or businesses. Any premium for specialist equestrian properties will be diminished. Field Shelters and stable blocks will pop up and this will inevitably lead to an increase of sporadic development in the countryside. 'Out of the way'homes may also become viable once more by redeveloping disused buildings particularly by employing high standards of design. This will greatly benefit people such as farriers who can find it extremely difficult to have a Workshop/Forge in operation from their home under current planning legislation. Noise and light pollution will remain an important consideration however.
The demand and value of land and buildings with potential for equestrian use is likely to increase as equestrian activities for private or commercial use can be more easily accommodated. The rural team expect to be fully employed as the NPPF opens the door for the more opportunist and forward thinking landowner.
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