Planning policy is fundamental to the determination of planning applications because it provides the framework against which proposals are assessed, ensuring consistency, transparency, and fairness in decision-making. The starting point for determination is the Local Plan in accordance with S38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.
Local Plan policies guide decision-makers in assessing whether a proposal accords with the development plan, which is the primary basis for decisions unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Planning policy also helps manage competing demands for land, protects important assets such as heritage and the natural environment, and promotes sustainable development. Over time Councils are required to review their Local Plans (at least once every five years) to determine whether the existing policies remain effective and whether any changes are needed to reflect changes in national policy or local circumstances.
The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR) represents an updated planning framework prepared jointly by the local authorities covering South Worcestershire (Wychavon District Council, Malvern Hills District Council and Worcester City Council). Now adopted, as of last month, it supersedes the previous development plan (SWDP) and carries full statutory weight in decision-making. The SWDPR responds to updated evidence, including housing need, climate change objectives, and infrastructure requirements, ensuring that planning decisions reflect current priorities and national policy.
Most notably, the SWDP did not have any specific policies relating to equestrian development, however, the SWDPR now introduces policy SWDPR 54 which relates specifically to equestrian development. This is a significant change for proposals of this nature within that area. The policy confirms that proposals for domestic and commercial equestrian development will be permitted in rural locations whereby:
- It is of an appropriate size and scale, relative to its intended use, and be compatible with the surrounding landscape and uses;
- It prioritises (where possible) the re-use of existing buildings and, in the case of construction of a new facility or buildings, is well integrated into the existing built form (where present) and its surroundings;
- It does not adversely impact upon the character, appearance or ecology of the landscape and / or any environmental, nature, planning or landscape designation having regard to all published guidance where necessary to appropriately manage land;
- It can be provided with safe access and does not have an unacceptable impact on local roads;
- It does not have a detrimental effect on the amenity of neighbouring properties and wider local area by reason of noise, smell, overlooking, or other general disturbance;
- For commercial equestrian developments, proposals maximise the opportunities to make the location more sustainable.
The above points are matters which we, as a consultancy, effectively already do anyway as a result of dealing with equestrian proposals across the country within varying Councils – some of which already have specific equestrian policies, but this is a change worth noting for those of you in the South Worcestershire area.