Commercial DIY livery plans lodged for Dereham stable

Proposals for the site were lodged by Melissa Cope for Greenfields at Swanton Road in Dereham.

These involve the change of use of the existing stable, tack room, feed room, manège, and paddocks to operate as a commercial DIY livery.

The site was originally granted planning approval for stables to be used for domestic and personal purposes.

The development would involve the change of use of a stable and equestrian facility (Image: Google)

It has previously operated commercially, with the current owners hoping to regularise that use.

No external changes to the stables, nor the construction of new structures or fencing, are proposed as part of the development.

The plans also state that a maximum of four horses would be kept on site, reflecting the size of the existing stables.

Norfolk County Council raised objections to the plans due to concerns about visibility at the site’s access.

The council, acting as the Local Highways Authority, said: "Introduction of a commercial livery would allow independent use of the stables and manège, over and above the level presently experienced, to the detriment of highway safety given the substandard nature of the access".

A planning statement with the application said there was "sufficient space within the site" for vehicles to park and turn safely.

The statement also argued that there would be "no tangible harms" to residential amenity, highway capacity or safety and the site is "well-served" to serve the needs of people in surrounding villages.

It concluded: "The existing stables and manège have been found to be acceptable by the council when planning permission was granted for their construction.

"Thus, the proposal would not cause harm to the character of the area, or the countryside".

A decision on the application is due to be made by Breckland Council at a later date.

To view the plans in full, visit the council's planning portal, using the reference: PL/2026/0641/FMIN.