Equestrian Architecture in Gloucestershire
Agrarian Equestrian Architecture is a specialist equestrian practice based at Berkeley, Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds. We design stables, arenas, gallops and complete yards for owners across the county. We take each scheme from first sketch through planning permission and building control to completion on site.
Why use a local equestrian architectural designer?
Gloucestershire is some of the best horse country in Britain, from racing yards around Cheltenham to eventing and competition yards across the Cotswolds and the Severn Vale. It also has some of the most sensitive countryside to build in.
Because we are based here, we know the landscape, the local councils and the planning issues that come up frequently on equestrian schemes. That means designs that fit their setting, applications that anticipate the planning officer’s questions, and fewer surprises once work starts on site.
Planning permission for equestrian buildings in Gloucestershire
Most stables, arenas and yard buildings need planning permission. Applications are currently decided by the local council for your area: Stroud, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham or Gloucester, or South Gloucestershire south of the county line. Each has its own local plan policies. Gloucestershire’s councils are due to be replaced by a single unitary council in April 2028, and we keep track of the changes for our clients.
The Cotswolds National Landscape (AONB): schemes must respect the character of the landscape, so siting, scale, materials and lighting are all important.
Green Belt: the Gloucester and Cheltenham Green Belt (mostly in Tewkesbury Borough) and the Bristol and Bath Green Belt in South Gloucestershire restrict new buildings. National policy allows suitable facilities for outdoor sport and recreation, provided they preserve the openness of the Green Belt.
Flood risk: much of the land along the River Severn, particularly around Tewkesbury and Gloucester, lies in the floodplain, which affects where buildings and arenas can go.
Biodiversity Net Gain: most new development must now show a measurable gain for wildlife. Since August 2026, most sites under 0.2 hectares are exempt. Find out more here Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for Equestrian Developments .
Change of use: converting agricultural land or barns to equestrian use. Find out more here “Change Of Use” vs. New Build .
We handle full and outline applications, change of use, certificates of lawful use and enforcement matters.
What we design
Stables and yards: from a three-horse stable block to a 60-box racing yard plus American barns, tack rooms and feed rooms. Find out more here Stable Design & Planning .
Arenas: indoor and outdoor arenas and menages, from 20m x 30m to larger than Olympic size, with the right surface and drainage. Find out more here Equestrian Arena Design .
Gallops: all-weather, round and deep sand gallops to horse walkers for racing and training yards. Find out more here All-weather Gallops Design .
Complete equestrian facilities: whole-site masterplans for competition yards, studs, rehabilitation centres and private estates.
From first sketch to completion
Consultation and site visit: we discuss what you need and look at the site, access and constraints.
Design: layouts and drawings that work for horses, staff and the setting.
Planning: we prepare and submit the application and deal with the council on your behalf.
Building control: we make sure the buildings meet regulations and gain approval.
Construction project management: we manage the build through to completion.
Find out more here Equestrian Architectural Services .
Areas we cover
We work throughout Gloucestershire, including Berkeley, Stroud, Dursley, Tetbury, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Stow-on-the-Wold and the Forest of Dean. We also work regularly in neighbouring Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and South Gloucestershire, and take on projects across the UK and internationally.
Ravenswell Farm, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
We played a big part in the redevelopment at Ravenswell Farm, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: home to a renowned National Hunt trainer.
Former dilapidated agricultural barns, converted into staff accommodation, management offices, board rooms and catering facilities. Alongside 80 loose boxes, two horse walkers, tack, laundry, staff and feed rooms, a vet box and outside wash bays.
The training facilities were upgraded to feature a 3-furlong deep-sand round gallop and a 4-furlong hill gallop featuring an Andrew Bowens surface.
Air-source heat pumps were installed to provide all heating and hot water, supporting strong green credentials.
We designed the scheme, secured planning, managed the project and oversaw cost and building control from start to finish.
Planning an equestrian project in Gloucestershire?
Talk to us about your site and plans. We will tell you what’s achievable and the best way to get there.
01453 511825 or click the link below.
“We were originally planning 40 boxes, a few caravans for the lads accommodation and a Portakabin for an office, but Peter Hall, a former owner and equestrian design specialist, said we could do this and this, so we now have 80 boxes, staff accommodation for eight, an owner’s room and an office on the same footprint of the barns that were already there. ”
Want to see more like this? Head to Our Project Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for a stable block or arena in Gloucestershire?
In most cases yes. Stables, arenas and other equestrian buildings usually need full planning permission, especially if the land isn’t already in equestrian use. We can advise on your site at an initial consultation.
Can I build stables in the Cotswolds National Landscape?
Yes, but the design has to respect the landscape. Careful siting, suitable materials such as timber or local stone, and limited lighting all help an application succeed.
How long does planning take?
Councils aim to decide most applications within eight weeks, though larger or sensitive schemes can take longer. Good preparation before submitting is the best way to avoid delays.
Do you only work in Gloucestershire?
No. We are based in Gloucestershire but work with clients across the UK and internationally.