Plans to convert farmhouse stables into three bedroom house

The proposal, validated by Mid Sussex District Council on December 9, involves transforming equestrian buildings at Kings Farmhouse, Balcombe, into a single-storey house.

The applications says the stables are “not practical for equestrian use because of the lack of riding in the area, and the need to ride horses along a classified road”.

The stables are apparently no longer practical (Image: The Rural Planning Practice) If permitted, the stables would be repurposed as a three-bedroom home featuring a lounge, a study, a kitchen, and a bathroom, all conforming to government housing standards.

The existing oak frame of the stables will be exposed, maintaining some of the original character of the buildings.

The site, situated in the countryside between Haywards Heath and Crawley, is located within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Drawings show the proposed layout of the new dwelling (Image: Olson Design Group) Currently, the site comprises five loose boxes, a caravan, and a storage container, which will be removed as part of the proposed development.

The layout plan for the new dwelling includes two parking spaces within the courtyard.

The stables seen from behind (Image: The Rural Planning Practice) A structural appraisal conducted in October 2023 found that “an overhaul of the timber frames would be necessary, cutting out areas of rot and replacing with new timber”.

The appraisal also deemed that “it would be necessary to provide adequate dampproofing and insulation, and foundations may need strengthening”.

However, structrual appraisal did confirm that the stable buildings are suitable for conversion “with light restoration and adaptation to bring them up to current building regulations”.

The planning statement says that the re-use of the existing buildings will “enhance the immediate setting” and improve the “rural character of the area”.

The nearby Grade II listed Kings Farmhouse (Image: The Rural Planning Practice) The proposed dwelling is said to align with the Balcombe Design Guide, which encourages the re-use and extension of the life of existing buildings rather than demolition and re-building.

The stables are located 850m south of the Grade II listed Kings Farmhouse, though there is no direct intervisibility between the farmhouse and the proposed development.

The application is now in a consultation phase that will last until January 2.