Stables, Indoor arena & Outdoor arena
This project was for a long-standing client of Equestrian Blueprint, having used our planning services for numerous projects carried out in the last several years. The client’s daughters are training to compete in Three Day Events to a high standard. As such, in the Summer of 2017, they planned to build a block of seven stables and an outdoor riding arena. Due to the topography of the land and some local ponds, the client was worried about obtaining planning permission, as substantial excavation would be required and there were some ecology concerns. However, after carrying out an ecological survey and working closely with the local authorities, we successfully obtained planning for the project. Shortly after we also submitted for a change of use for a portion of their land to be used as a cross-country course, as well as obtained permission for three isolation stables that were to be constructed in close proximity.
With International and Olympic aspirations, the client decided that further facilities and additional horses were required. In the summer of 2019, they asked us to assist in the planning of a large building, to contain an International standard riding arena, stables, and other facilities. Due to the existing new facilities, obtaining planning permission for an additional building of this scale presents obvious difficulties. However, we were able to successfully obtain planning permission for the building after working closely with the design engineers and Local Planning Authority.
Stables
The client opted for a brick built stable block comprising six loose boxes for stabling horses as well as a large corner box to act as a store for equipment and feed. We collaborated with the groundworkers and builders throughout the project, supplying designs for the building and providing advice on the choice of materials etc to ensure that the aesthetic of the stables was consistent with the landscape. We also carried out an ecological survey to ensure that there was no immediate impact on the local ecology of the site, as there were a number of neighbouring ponds.
Outdoor arena
Along with the brick stable block an all-weather riding arena was installed and is used as a practice and warm up area.
Indoor arena (Currently undergoing completion)
The scheme was designed to be as discrete as possible, cutting it into the ground to reduce its overall height whilst employing a sympathetic material palette to complement the setting. The barn was located to the east of the existing manège with the walker to the south of that. The proposed area for the barn was significantly cut into the ground and lower ground levels infilled resulting in a finished floor level circa 4m below that of the existing manège.