Retrospective Planning permission secured for equestrian use and ancillary accommodation in West Northamptonshire.

30 September 2026

Retrospective planning permission has been secured for over 650 m2 of equestrian buildings, including ancillary accommodation, at Kilsby Grange, Northamptonshire.   MEP were instructed by a private client to regularise the position on site following an enforcement enquiry by West Northamptonshire Council.

The site comprises an established residential property in the open countryside with associated equestrian land and facilities. Living accommodation is present within one of the equestrian buildings, which is functionally linked to the day-to-day management and welfare of the horses and is subordinate in scale, comprising a small proportion of the overall menage building. Furthermore, it shares the same access, utility bills and address as the principle uses on the site. It is thus ancillary to the main uses on the site.

In submitting the application, MEP presented a robust case, demonstrating that the residential use on the site is ancillary to the main equestrian use rather than representing a separate planning unit due to its physical and functional relationship with the use and buildings on the site. With reference to the equestrian use, MEP argued that, despite the size and access onto the main A5 trunk road, the existing equestrian buildings are entirely compliant with both local and national policy.  

The LPA agreed with MEP’s case and found that the residential element is indeed ancillary to the equestrian use and that furthermore, the equestrian buildings are acceptable in planning terms.