Are equestrian buildings (indoor arenas, training, showjumping or racing facilities) considered agricultural buildings?

Agricultural buildings fall into a number of distinct categories. Requirements for these buildings are as follows:

1. Detached single story agricultural buildings of less than 300sqm– Exempted development (Third Schedule to Building Regulations 1997, Article 8); no Commencement Notice required.

The Building Control Regulations 1997-2014, Article 7 states that Part II applies to a-c, to which the Building Regulations apply. Because agricultural buildings of less than 300sqm are exempt from the Building Regulations, Article 7 doesn’t apply.

2. Single storey agricultural buildings of more than 300sqm – Not exempted development whether by extension or initial construction (Third Schedule to Building Regulations 1997-2014, Article 8); Commencement Notice without additional information required.

As agricultural buildings of more than 300sqm (whether by extension or initial construction) are not exempt from the Building Regulations, Article 7 of the Building Control Regulations applies, therefore a Commencement Notice without additional information is required. The additional documentation and Assigned Certifier etc. are not required because a single storey agricultural building doesn’t require a Fire Safety Certificate (Building Control Regulations, Article 11(2), thus the Building Control Regulations’ Article 9 provisions don’t apply.

3. Multi-storey agricultural buildings – Commencement Notice with additional information/7-Day Notice, Assigned Certifier, FSC etc. required.

Multi-storey agricultural buildings are subject to the Building Control Regulations’ Part III provisions – Articles 11(1)(a) and (2)(a) – therefore the Building Control Regulations’ Article 9(2) provisions apply.

Extract for the Building Control Regulations - Relevant Part III provisions

Note: If you are in any doubt, contact your local Building Control Authority.