What rights do horses really have re shelter etc?

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Our localcouncil will not allow us 3 sectional wooden stables and 2 ditto storage sheds on 9 acres of land with an equestrian restriction on it. Furthermore they have informed us that we are not allowed to bring anything on to the land including feed and forage. The stables currently provide shelter to hedgehogs, swallows in summer, a weasel and two cats.
The land is well cared for, has the full support of the local community and is not in an area of local beauty. The horses are thoroughbreds, 2 in work and 2 brood mares both in foal.

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Staff reply 29 Jan 08 17:34, by zw!tch Hiya,

What are the reasons the council have given for saying no?

Are you hoping to extend stables that are already there?

When we have a bit more info we can look into this for you!

Cheers,

Zoë
29 Jan 08 18:54, by Naughty Judy Varying - not suitable in a rural environment, spoiling the open aspect of the countryside (not true, buildings are completely hidden from view, change of use from equestrian to stabling of horses (!) and non-sustainable (see defra's definition, how can sectional wooden buildings with a life span of maybe 20 years come under 'non-sustainable). No plans to add to buildings or apply for any kind of residential dwelling. We just want to care for and enjoy a little bit of the countryside and provide a safe and comfortable home for our horses.
Staff reply 30 Jan 08 10:02, by zw!tch Hi again,

A few more questions for you:

Who is 'us' that the Council will not allow to build the stables?
Does the council own the land or someone else?
What have you done so far to check out/seek advice about the equestrian restriction, or any other restrictions?
30 Jan 08 10:43, by Shezzitta Hi
I dont know alot about horses but maybe you might get some help from your local regional officer of the British Horse Society - their website is www.bhs.org.uk and if you go to the "about" section there is a regional map to click on which will give you a contact.
http://www.bhs.org.uk/Content/Abt-regions.asp
I hope this is of help
regards
Sharon
30 Jan 08 13:08, by Naughty Judy Hi everybody - thanks for your interest. This business has us at our wits end. Us is my daughter and I. My daughter bought the land from NYCC with an agricultural, horticultural or equestrian restriction and a 70% uplift on it. Council has no equestrian policy in place for this area. DEFRA, the Minister of Horse and local Councillor can't or won't help. A specialist solicitor says that on paper council have dealt with us fairly. We have a planning adviser who has raised an excellent case for us and now says the whole thing is beginning to appear to be victimisation. BHS have written a letter on our behalf. Enforcement Officer also tells us that we cannot even bring feed on to the land as it is illegal to bring anything on. So what chance field shelters. Hgate Council have rules re these but try and find out what they are is impossible. They refer to their web site which is about as much use as they are. Everytime they turn us down they get even more nasty, now wanting us to remove hard standing which was down pre-purchase and have proof of it being down for at least 11 years and to cover this insist on anything put on the land over the last 12 years. As we have planted 16 native trees, 180m of mixed hedging and post and rail fencing this is a frightening prospect.
Staff reply 01 Feb 08 13:56, Edited on 01 Feb 08 13:57, by zw!tch Hia,

Unfortunately we are not able to provide you with legal advice or information and since you've already got somewhere along the road with this you're going to need more specialist advice!

The Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to advise you and details of how to find your local CAB are here .

CAB have a website that provides information about a range of subjects - ( here ) they list a number of places you may want to contact for help including:

* Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) - The CPRE and CPRW campaign for the preservation of the countryside. They also produce useful factsheets and other information documents on a range of rural issues. Contact details are:- Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), 128 Southwark Street, London, SE1 OSW Tel: 020 7981 2800 - Fax: 020 7981 2899 - E-Mail: info@cpre.org.uk - Website: www.cpre.org.uk

* Environment Agency Tel: 0870 850 6506 (General Enquiry Line)

* DEFRA Helpline: DEFRA Helpline, Library Enquiry Desk, Room 320, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR Tel: 0845 933 5577
Minicom: 0845 300 1998 Fax: 020 7238 2188 E-Mail: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.defra.gov.uk

* Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)- responsible for planning policy. Enquiry Service contact details are: Enquiry Service, Department for Communities and Local Government, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU Tel: 020 7944 4400 Fax: 020 7944 4101 Website: www.communities.gov.uk
02 Feb 08 16:48, by Naughty Judy Thanks anyway for your suggestions. This issue is now more animal welfare and environmental than anything else so will try some of the websites you gave me. Judy