We’re pleased to share that planning permission has been secured for the replacement of equestrian buildings with a new dwelling in the Green Belt, within Tandridge District.

Our client came to us to explore the development potential of a stable yard to the rear of their home. Following our initial advice note, we progressed a full application for a new dwelling on the site — which included stables, a horse walker, and a barn — all located partly within Flood Zone 2.

Key planning challenges included:

• Green Belt designation

• Flood Risk

• Changes to the NPPF mid-application

We successfully demonstrated that the proposal qualified as appropriate development under both local policy and the updated National Planning Policy Framework (Dec 2024). Our assessment showed:

• A 0.04% reduction in built volume, improving spatial impact

• A visual enhancement, replacing poor-quality buildings with a well-designed home

• Less hardstanding and a more attractive layout in keeping with the rural character

Whilst the new Grey Belt policy was in place at the time of determination the Council opted not to specifically consider whether the site was ‘Grey Belt’ land.

The application was approved under delegated powers, with the Council accepting our case that the scheme would not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt.

A big thank you to the consultant team: Squires Planning | WPD Consultants | Arbtech | JN Tree Consultancy | Arcadian Architectural Services Ltd | Adeptus Environmental

#PlanningSuccess #GreenBelt #GreyBelt #FloodRisk #PlanningPermission #RuralDevelopment #Tandridge #SustainableDevelopment #SquiresPlanning