Farming diversification - equestrian
In recent years extensive changes to the Common Agricultural Policy and agricultural subsidies have encouraged farmers to diversify into various rural pursuits to supplement their incomes, most notably this change has come in the form of horses.
The compatibility of horses within the farm environment has allowed many farmers to offer livery facilities ranging from ‘do-it-yourself’ using ancillary farm buildings that have undergone little or no alteration to those who have invested heavily in extensive purpose built complexes and offer a comprehensive service. In the majority of cases these equine enterprises run alongside the existing farming operation, whereas some farmers have albeit retired from conventional farming to convert the whole farm to equine use.
The equestrian business is the second biggest employer in the rural economy worth over £2bn per year incorporating 900,000 equines, however only £500m of the said revenue comes from riding lessons, meaning that private horse ownership is likely to contribute around 80% of this figure. With the equine industry becoming one of the fastest growing in the outdoor recreation sector there is set to be further growth and therefore demand for equestrian facilities.
Stabling and livery facilities are not the only way farmers can diversify and create extra income from horses, other initiatives include installing Toll Rides around the perimeter of farms, these are growing in popularity as a result of the dangers of exercising horses on roads and country lanes.
Any change of use of existing farm buildings or proposed construction for equestrian use will be subject to planning consent, as will the construction of facilities such as maneges. It is also likely that the non domestic rates exemption that applies to agricultural buildings will no longer apply in the case of this type of diversification. Those wishing to follow this line of business enterprise are also advised to seek professional advice as to the effect this may have on any current agricultural tenancies that may be in place as equestrian use falls outside of the provisions of agricultural tenancies legislation.
For further details of Equine diversification or planning advice for such projects please contact Fisher German’s Knutsford Office on 01565 757970.
- Ashby de la Zouch
- 01530 412821
- Banbury
- 01295 271 555
- Knutsford
- 01565 757970
- Market Harborough
- 01858 410 200
- Newark
- 01949 851815
- Southampton
- 02380 883150
- St Helens
- 01744 451145
- Stafford
- 01785 220 044
- Worcester
- 01905 453275
