Arable land - change of use

[littlebearsmummy]

We are thinking of buying a house that comes with a 5 acre arable field. If we bought it we would want to use the land for keeping horses, but we aren't sure if we'd need permission to change the use of the land. Does anyone know?

As far as I know grazing of horses still counts as agricultural use - but you would need planning permission for stables, hard standing, menage etc, etc on the land. Building stables in your garden can come under permitted development and you may get around planning that way.

Getting a chance of use from agricultural to equestrian can be very difficult. Some councils even ask for planning permission for mobile field shelters.

A general check with the local council could get you their policy on grazing and mobile field shelters - and search there planning portal to see if they have approved any other equestrian development locally.

Horses aren't agriculture in planning terms so it would require permission for a change of use.

We also did this.
Apply for change of use.
It will be at least a year before you can graze new grass though.
We still have potatoes and maise come through 15 years later!!!
Enjoy its fun!