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Hi, patdavis, sorry not to reply earlier. It is a long held dream of my friends to have her own land and stables to keep her horse, she wanted the security of knowing that she would not be subject to the vagaries of someone elses yard ownership. 3 years ago we had to leave the yard we were all on as they sold up, lucky at that time we found a lovely local man willing to rent us his redundant building and land. However it was likely the situation would arise again and rather than split up a happy band of riders when the opportunity came up to purchase land, she went for it. It's not acceptable to keep horses alone, they are herd animals, so as one of the conditions was that it couldn't be a business, she decided that we'd not pay any money. Suits us just fine! And, as Planner stated, "This set up is strictly for the 4 owners, no-one else and no payment is made." She has no intention of ever running it as a commercial yard. The area is way too idyllic to ruin it with hoards of strangers running about! There is just us 4, 3 who are happy to hack around the lanes, and the owner who also hacks but competes at weekends. We look after the land and the surrounding area as we value the countryside, what could be more rural than stables and horses grazing? No way is it a business. And yes, I do count myself very lucky to have such a good friend! Penny Less

Planner, thank you very much for your advice, I felt all along that it is up to them to prove it, not for my friend to prove it isn't! I like your analogy of the taxi "business"!! I will let my friend see this thread. Thank you. Penny Less

Hi patdavis, Thanks for your reply. Benefit in kind, does that count as a business then? This set up is strictly for the 4 owners, no-one else and no payment is made, so I can't see how it can possibly be a business. Thanks, Penny Less PS; Anyway, everyone knows the only way to make a small fortune out of horses, is to start with a huge fortune!!

Planner, thank you. That sounds like the logical, sensible way to go. Like me you appear to conclude that it's the business activity which is the issue here? I will advise my friend accordingly. I just hope that the terrier of an enforcement officer will accept it! Thank you again, Penny Less

I don't have the letter in front of me, but I did copy out this paragraph; Quote; "4 the stable barn hereby permitted shall be used for private purposes only. No trade, business or other commercial enterprise of any kind shall be carried out in or from the building. (reason - in the interests of the appearance and character of the area.) This authority is in receipt of local representation that some, if not all, of the horses being stabled at this site are not in your ownership and therefore may be in breach of the planning permission." Unquote. As I say, this is not my property, and personally I wouldn't have continued the original lie, but I still don't see how it could be classed as a business? the dictionary definition of business is the exchange of money for goods or services, and there is no money changing hands here. Anyone with expert knowledge out there, please help! Penny Less

Ha, ha!! I can see you are all rivetted to your seats for the next instalment!! Ok, friend bought land, applied for PP to build barn stabling for 4 horses, application turned down, barn too big. Re-applied with smaller barn. 4 objections on grounds of; traffic increase, size of barn, business use. Assured people it will not be a business, justified size of barn and stated that traffic increase is minimal. To get PP the council were assured it was for private use, owner owned all horses, this is a big white lie as there are 4 owners, owner of land etc, and 3 friends. PP granted as long as for private use only. One of the origninal objectors has now kicked up and enforcement officer has visited. It is not a business, no money changes hands, traffic increase, well, it's a public highway and anyway only 4 extra cars. (Lane already has golf course and leisure centre, dog kennels and trout fishing businesses along it, as well as it leading to the common.) This is not my land, but I do keep horse there, I told friend that the lie was not a good idea in the first place, but her hubby insisted. Can the council force them not to have "guests" staying there? The real issue from the letter they had, as far as I could see, is that there should be no business run from there. If money not changing hands, how can it be a business? Hope someone can help? Sorry if it doesn't make sense, not easy to summarise when trying to be a quick as poss!! Thanks. Penny Less

Hi, I joined this site about 12 months ago, and had a successful claim against the Hellifax/BoS! I can't post here very often as I only have access while at work, so for obvious reasons I cannot be a frequent visitor! I would still like some help though; Is there anyone on here who has knowledge of planning consent, and alleged breaches of? I don't want to put too much up here about my case just yet, and I am afraid I will be unable to answer any replies until next Mon, but I am sure there is someone on here who will have some excellent advice! "See" you next Mon, and thank you for your assistance! Penny Less

WELL DONE BILKO!!! It's a fantastic feeling isn't it? I can't belive Halifax are still claiming that they're doing it "for purely commercial reasons". They've paid out over £200k to members of this site, you can't tell me if what they do is legal that it's not worth contesting?! I have told one or two people I work with about claiming and they were chuffed for me. Don't know if they are likely to be claiming, but they know who to come to for advice, and guess where I'll direct them?!! Well done again, go spend your money! Penny Less

Mechs, just popped in quickly, good luck with your claim, I expect this time next week you'll have your money, Halifax seem to like taking it to the wire! Re; the girl who works for Halifax, but wouldn't bank there. One of my closest friends is a PFA, she works like a dog for Halifax plc, doesn't take all her holiday entitlement as she's worried about targets, this girl is a workaholic and a high achiever, they don't treat her well at all. Sure, she's very well paid, but they expect more than a pound of flesh from her. A couple of years ago she had internet dial up problems that resulted in the phone line running up a bill of over £600, despite knowing they hadn't used that much, she HAD to pay up as Halifax won't allow staff to run into debt or have late payments registered against them. So whereas you or I would have disputed the bill and got a reduction, she simply paid up. I think she's mad! Needless to say I haven't told her of my victory over Halifax plc. simply because I don't want to fall out with her, Halifax are not worth it! Here's to you seeing your money again soon! Penny Less

YES!! Claim filed with moneyclaim online, but Halifax have coughed up, without going to court!! Said they would not be able to recover costs; "(even if the bank wins)" yes, that's exactly what they wrote!! For this reason, "Halifax is willing to reimburse", Ha! WILLING? I don't think so, "begrudgingly" possibly! I was fully aware that I could be the one to actually go all the way to court, luckily I didn't have to. I hope it's the same for all those of who are currently claiming. Good Luck PennyLess no more!

Ya Hoooooo! Me too!! S'great innit?!! Well done, it's great to see YOUR money again isn't it? Penny