Planning permission

[cloudchaos]

I have a small stable block with two boxes which was installed in the early 1990s and is in a terrible state of disrepair. There was planning permission granted back then and I've found the application online. If I wanted to replace the stables with an exact like for like, do I need to get planning permission again, or can I replace it ensuring it's exactly the same without permission? I'm struggling to find much online.

If it’s exactly the same then you can just replace but the footprint, height and materials must be the same.

I believe you can replace but you should be able to get your council to answer any specific questions if you have concerns.

I’m not so sure. The demolition might in itself need planning permission. Does your local planning authority still offer a planning advice service?

Thanks for your help. I hadn't thought demolition would require planning? I will see if I can contact someone at the council to check!

You only have 3 years to implement a planning permission, so it has expired and you will need to apply again.

I would be very cautious about other advice saying you don't need planning permission, there are indeed some permitted development rights but these have very specific requirements and depend upon the context of your building - for instance you could be in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Conservation Area, which limit or even remove permitted development rights.

The best thing to do is obtain pre-application advice from the Council. A local planning consultant will be able to help, or sometimes even a local architect or builder.

Your first step is to check with your council. You’d be very surprised what was once considered ok from a planning perspective and has changed over time. Pull up the plans and engage the council. It may well be you do not but best to check.

Yes check with the council. Some are really funny about equestrian use buildings too, especially on agricultural land. So worth chatting to someone!