News

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…

From April 2026, planning application fees in England will rise again as part of a new system of annual inflation-linked increases introduced by government regulations.  The changes stem from the…

The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance which will fundamentally change how planning appeals are determined and it will result in what we would consider, as consultants, a fundamental shift in…

When preparing and submitting an equestrian planning application in England, landscape considerations are a core part of how local planning authorities assess the proposals because they directly affect the character,…

One of the most common queries we have is whether horses need planning permission, so what are the key considerations? The way in which horses are both used and cared…

…and just like that, it’s 2026 – Happy New Year! 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese Zodiac which is a rare astrological event occurring once…

Equestrian developments—such as stables, maneges, horse-walkers, and associated rural buildings often occupy sites on the edges of settlements or within open countryside, where flooding and drainage constraints can be significant.…

We can’t quite believe we are putting up Christmas opening times, but it is December next week! Just to let you know our office will be closed from 5pm on…

When assessing planning applications, the issues of visibility, parking provision, and highway safety are often central to achieving developments that are safe, functional, and sustainable. Proposals with clear issues as…

When planning permission is granted it is very rarely unconditional. Most approvals come with planning conditions – specific requirements imposed by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to control aspects of…

We will be closed, as an office, on both Thursday 11th and Friday 12th September this week.  Voicemails can be left via the main office number and we will pick…

Equestrian development—whether in the form of stables, arenas, or other associated facilities -can deliver social, economic, and recreational benefits whether for private or commercial use. However, where such proposals affect…

From small private stables to large commercial livery yards, equestrian developments can have a notable impact on local habitats and species.  Ecology has always been a consideration within planning applications…

An outdoor arena is often as aspiration for many horse owners and, in some cases, a must for trainers or equestrian centres to function safely all year round.  Their design…

In English planning law, the concept of “precedent” does not operate in the same way as in judicial case law. While decisions of the courts can bind future rulings, decisions…

As part of a planning application for creation of a new equestrian livery yard, or adding facilities to an established site, plans are required to outline to the Council what…

The Planning System can be tricky, and, in some cases, there may be a requirement to go to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate but what is the appeal system?  In…

One of the most commonly asked questions we receive is that relating to application types, what needs to be submitted and how application types differ depending on projects.  In this…

We always do our best to ensure that your proposal is policy compliant and realistic, if we are assisting you with a planning application.  What is possible in terms of…

Equestrian planning can be a bit of a minefield and we are aware that not all Council’s are consistent in their approach but the fact is that most things relating…

The weekend before last we had a stand at the National Equine Show, at the NEC, Birmingham, where we got to speak to lots of you about your potential equestrian…

We’ve previously covered, in basic terms (within other news articles), what you need to submit with a planning application but, more specifically, what do Councils require for a valid equestrian…

Last July (2024) the Government undertook a consultation on planning fees which has resulted in draft amendments to The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests for…

The New Year is most commonly associated with new beginnings and, indeed, it is a time when many homeowners/or property owners start to consider their options for extensions and/or home…

Last week the Government published the revised National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (the Framework) which sets out the Government’s planning policies and how these are expected to be applied.  In…

Ho Ho Ho! Hope you’re all organised with your Christmas Lists! Just to let you know, our office will be closed from 5pm on Monday 23rd December,  re-opening on Thursday…

A big thank you to all of you who came to see us at Your Horse Live, Stoneleigh, over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  This is the third year we have…

So, you have submitted a planning application, and it has been validated – what happens next? Once a Council receives your planning application the Council will send you a letter…

Once again we will be having a stand at The National Equine Show at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 March 2025. For those of you who would like a free ticket…

There are several types of applications relating to planning and development control and we, as a company, deal with virtually all types of applications including, but not limited to, full…

Many of our equestrian enquiries initially relate to whether planning permission is needed, what information is required to apply for permission and what will be/should be taken into account in…

We have been a little quiet on the news article front in the last month or so because we have been busier than ever with new enquiries and getting applications…

We are pleased to confirm that we have just rebooked a stand (M808) at Your Horse Live 2024 which will be held, this year, at Stoneleigh Park on 8th –…

There is no doubt about it that the planning system is becoming more demanding.  We do not say that to be intentionally negative but highlight, very honestly, that the days…

April 2024 has been quite the month for changes within the planning system.  At the start of the month, we saw the final deadline for mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)…

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA) received Royal Assent in October 2023 with the various changes, which it sought to introduce, then pending secondary legislation (which would then…

And, just like that – Eldnar Consultancy turned FIVE! As I have said in similar posts before we will continue to work hard, not to be one of the biggest…

A couple of weeks ago we had a stand at the National Equine Show at the NEC, Birmingham, where we got to talk to people about their potential developments and…

From this week, the 12th February 2024 to be more specific, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory for major developments, with certain exemptions, and development of ‘small sites’ will be…

This week, in association with the British Horse Society and their Business Support Team, we participated in an online “coffee morning” event which was attended by members of their accredited…

We are nearly through January and, having hosted an online event on all things planning, and with events coming up in the next few weeks we thought we would take…

Most things involving horses require planning permission – whether that is the use of land for equestrian purposes (excluding simple grazing) or building facilities such as stabling or arenas.  So,…

We do a very large amount of development (site) appraisals for new and existing clients which can be used as a standalone advice service or can lead into further work…

CHRISTMAS 2023 As the song goes “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” Our office will be closed from 5pm on Friday 22nd December, re-opening on Wednesday 3rd January…

A couple of weeks ago we had a stand at Your Horse Live, Stoneleigh, where we got to talk to people about their potential developments and, sadly, some of your…

The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 were made on 8th November 2023 and come into force on 6th…

Back in 2021 we wrote a series of posts on the subject… Equestrian Arena Surfaces – Use of Waste Carpet (Update!) – Eldnar Consultancy EQUESTRIAN ARENA SURFACES – FULLER RESPONSE…

We’re getting ready for Your Horse Live 2023 at Stoneleigh Park on 10-12 November. We’ve got giveaways, discounts and competitions. Tickets can be purchased here Why not come along and…

We are, genuinely, one of the most brutally honest consultancies you will ever find.  This means, therefore, that we aren’t afraid of telling you what you don’t want to hear…

Planning applications have become significantly more complex, in terms of documentation required and matters considered during determination, over the last 30 years.  Within this time period it is estimated, by…