A popular spot for competitive polo has last week been given a seal of approval to extend its facilities due to national encouragement of outdoor sport and recreation within a Green Belt area.
Thanks to ET Planning’s understanding of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) and Paragraph 89, the equestrian sitein the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, has now received planning permission to build a large number of temporary stables in support of polo matches which take place within it’s grounds each summer.
Local authorities seek to preserve Green Belt areas but are sympathetic to those instances when a development facilitates outdoor sport and recreation, which in turn helps to preserve the openness of the protected area.
The 78 temporary stables will be assembled each year from 1 April to the 31 August in three blocks of 28; accommodating all horses used in a game of polo. The stables are single-storey in height, constructed from a simple metal framework and green tarpaulin, and will be sited next to the existing polo field to ensure the facilities are in the best location for the players.
Previously, any competing teams have had to keep their ponies in their travelling horsebox when not out on the polo field. The new temporary stabling won’t increase the intensity of use on the site, but it will help to meet the needs of visiting teams and their horses.