If you’re planning to build stables or mobile field shelters on your land, you’ll usually need planning permission from your Local Planning Authority (LPA). The rules depend on several factors, such as whether the building is permanent or mobile, where your land is located, and how the stables will be used.
There are limited exceptions for temporary or private leisure use, but the regulations can be complex.
In this article, we look at the main scenarios and what you should check before you build, so you can stay compliant and avoid costly enforcement action.
A mobile field shelter is a temporary, movable structure designed to provide weather protection for grazing animals. These buildings are typically mounted on timber or metal skids, allowing them to be towed between paddocks.
Because they aren’t fixed to the ground, mobile field shelters are normally not treated as permanent buildings. In most cases, this means you won’t need planning permission as long as the shelter stays movable and is used for grazing animals.
To meet the definition of a temporary, mobile structure, the shelter should:
If a shelter stays in one place permanently, is fixed to the ground, or is used for stabling rather than grazing, your LPA may treat it as a permanent building that requires planning permission.
Councils can issue enforcement notices if they find that a mobile shelter is being used effectively as a fixed stable.
You may also need planning permission if:
It’s always best to check with your Local Planning Authority before building. Requirements vary between councils; some may ask for confirmation of size, materials, or how often it will be moved.
Permanent stables almost always need planning permission, especially when they’re built on agricultural or paddock land. The key question is whether the building is within your home’s grounds or on separate grazing land.
If the stables are inside your garden and used purely for private leisure - for example, to keep a couple of horses owned by your household - some councils may consider them permitted development. This depends on local policy and the size of your plot. As a rule of thumb, the stables must be for private use and take up only a small part of the garden.
However, you will need planning permission if:
The same rules usually apply to mobile stables or static field shelters that stay in one place or are used for stabling rather than grazing.
Always check with your Local Planning Authority before starting work. They may ask for site plans, design drawings, or information on how you’ll manage noise, waste, and vehicle access.
Planning permission also covers how the land itself is used. If you keep horses for recreation or leisure, that use is not classed as agriculture under planning law. Changing land from agricultural use (for crops or livestock) to equestrian use, therefore, often requires planning permission.
In short:
Many councils allow you to use the land for short-term activities, such as shows, for up to 28 days a year if you remove everything afterwards.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with your Local Planning Authority before you move horses onto new land.
How to secure planning permission for building stables
If you need planning permission, your first step is to contact your Local Planning Authority. Most councils allow you to apply online through the Planning Portal.
You’ll need to provide site plans, design drawings, and a short statement explaining how the stables will be used and how you’ll manage access, waste, and drainage.
It’s often worth seeking pre-application advice before submitting your proposal. This can highlight any issues early and improve your chance of approval. A planner or architect familiar with stables can make the process easier.
Before applying, talk to your neighbours to see if they might be affected by the build. Adressing concerns about noise, smell, or traffic early can prevent objections later on.
Most planning applications are decided within eight weeks, but complex rural projects can take longer.
After approval, check whether any planning conditions or building regulations apply before construction begins.
Planning rules can feel complicated, but taking the time to check them early will save you stress later. Always confirm the details with your Local Planning Authority before ordering or installing any structure.
At Chart Stables, we design and build timber stables and field shelters that not only meet welfare and safety standards but also fit sensitively into the landscape. Our team can guide you through the early stages of your project and help ensure your new building meets local requirements.
