Answer

By Your Horse

Solicitor Martin Pate replies:

The erection of floodlights in a manège is likely to require a grant of planning permission from the local planning authority. They will consider whether the erection of the lights has an impact on the surrounding landscape and whether they will cause a significant light pollution.
It would be a good idea to find out if there are any restrictive covenants on the land, which can prohibit any equestrian development. This information can be obtained from the Land Registry for a small fee, or from the deeds to the property.An application for planning permission is made through the local planning authority and the decision could be conditional, unconditional or refused. If you install the floodlights without planning permission, the local authority has the power to issue you with a stop notice, requiring the lights to be removed immediately at your expense.
● Martin Pate is a solicitor with MJP Law. Call on 01202 823666/ 01202 842929, or go to www.mjplaw.co.uk