Case Study: Equine Hospital Development – Otby Moor, Lincolnshire
Change of Use and Extension of Former Agricultural Buildings to Create a State-of-the-Art Equine Hospital
Fytche-Taylor Planning Ltd are proud to have secured full planning permission for a new equine hospital at Otby Moor Farm, near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, on behalf of our client, the owner of Rase Veterinary Centre, Aldervale Vets, and Rase Equine.
The approved scheme involved the conversion and extension of redundant agricultural barns to form a specialist equine hospital, complete with reception areas, staff facilities, an equine exercise pen for rehabilitation, and associated site improvements.
Our Role
Acting as planning consultants and agents, we managed the entire planning process, from initial site appraisal through to submission and approval. Our involvement included:
Planning advice and feasibility review for the conversion of historic farm buildings
Preparation of detailed plans and supporting statements
Heritage and landscape impact assessments, addressing the site’s historic buildings and location within an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV)
Liaison with West Lindsey District Council and statutory consultees to ensure a compliant and well-supported application
The proposal achieved full planning permission without objection, demonstrating the success of a well-prepared and balanced submission.
About the Project
The development transforms part of the partially extant 19th-century farmstead at Otby Moor Farm into a modern, purpose-built equine hospital.
Designed to provide specialist veterinary care and rehabilitation services for horses from across Lincolnshire, the facility supports the local equestrian community and Market Rasen Racecourse.
This investment has created skilled permanent jobs, strengthened local rural employment, and repurposed historic agricultural buildings for a valuable new use — ensuring their preservation and long-term sustainability.
The Equine Hosiptal features:
Standing theatre
Two recovery boxes
Two separate theatre spaces
Dedicated radiography suite
JMB measuring pad
Large outdoor area
Trot up facilities
8 stables
Large reception & parking
Outcome
The result is a state-of-the-art equine hospital that combines modern veterinary facilities with sensitive rural design. The scheme demonstrates how redundant farm buildings can be reimagined to deliver economic, community, and environmental benefits, aligned with national and local planning policies.
This case showcases Fytche-Taylor Planning’s ability to deliver complex rural planning applications with heritage, environmental, and commercial considerations.
Why Choose Fytche-Taylor Planning?
Equestrian and rural developments often face complex planning considerations such as highway safety, landscape impact, and design integration. Our team’s background in both local authority and private practice allows us to anticipate challenges and prepare applications that succeed first time.
If you’re considering an equestrian or rural development project, we can provide feasibility advice, full application support, and architectural design tailored to your site and goals.
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