Planning Approval Secured for New Equine Veterinary Dental Clinic
katie • September 15, 2026
We are pleased to have secured planning permission for a new purpose-built Equine Veterinary Dental Clinic, following what proved to be a particularly interesting and challenging planning application.
The site lies within an area of archaeological importance, meaning the proposals required careful consideration to demonstrate that the development could be delivered without unacceptable harm to the archaeological significance of the site. This added another layer of complexity to the planning process and required a considered approach to the positioning, design and supporting information for the development.
Working closely with the client and consultant team, KCA Architecture developed a scheme which responds to its rural setting while providing the specialist facilities required for an expanding equine veterinary dental practice.
The approved building takes inspiration from traditional agricultural architecture, with a simple pitched-roof form, green profiled cladding and a natural stone plinth, helping the relatively substantial building sit comfortably within its countryside surroundings. The development will provide modern clinical and support accommodation specifically designed around the treatment and care of horses.
Securing permission demonstrates how even sensitive sites can accommodate new specialist rural businesses where the design, heritage and archaeological considerations are properly addressed from the outset.
We are delighted to have helped navigate a tricky application through the planning process and look forward to supporting and seeing the Equine Veterinary Dentist's new clinic progress on site.
KCA Architecture Unveils Cutting-Edge Grandstand in £5 Million Thirsk Racecourse Redevelopment Thirsk Racecourse is set for a major transformation as KCA Architecture reveals plans for a striking new grandstand, part of a £5 million redevelopment project. The ambitious upgrade will replace the existing structure with a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the race-day experience for spectators, owners, and industry professionals alike. As one of Yorkshire’s most popular racecourses, Thirsk has a proud tradition of delivering high-quality racing in a picturesque setting. The new grandstand is set to build on this legacy, offering a modern yet elegant venue that blends cutting-edge design with the racecourse’s rich heritage. The multi-level structure will introduce a host of premium features tailored to both the everyday , and owners and trainers. On the ground floor, a spacious public bar will create a vibrant social hub, allowing racegoers to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the racing action in comfort. Moving to the first floor, an expanded owners’ and trainers’ area will enhance the race-day experience with a touch of luxury, while an adjoining premier dining room will provide an inviting hospitality space. A key feature of this level is the newly designed bridge linking the dining space to the current Chestnut Room, offering seamless access between the two areas and ensuring an elevated hospitality experience. For those looking for an exclusive race-day setting, the second floor will house a spectacular roof terrace bar, offering unrivalled panoramic views of the track and surrounding countryside. This space is designed to provide a premium social and hospitality experience, making it a standout feature of the redevelopment. KCA Architecture, renowned for its expertise in designing dynamic and functional racecourse venues, has carefully planned every detail of the new grandstand to create a top-class facility. The detailed architectural drawings, showcase the meticulous attention to design, ensuring the venue meets the evolving needs of racegoers while preserving the character of this historic course. About KCA Architecture KCA Architecture is a leading architectural practice with a proven track record in delivering innovative, high-quality designs for sporting venues, commercial projects, and public spaces. With a deep understanding of how architecture shapes user experience, the firm is committed to creating functional, visually striking, and sustainable buildings that enhance their surroundings. From racecourses to grandstands and beyond, KCA Architecture continues to set new benchmarks in design excellence, ensuring each project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and creativity
Due to a number of new commissions, KCA are looking to recruit a new member to the team. KCA Architecture Ltd are an up-and-coming architectural practice situated at Aske Stables, just outside of Richmond, in the heart of North Yorkshire. We manage projects of all sizes, from bespoke, one-off residential schemes to large-scale commercial developments and looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Architectural Technician/Architect to join us. Key responsibilities and tasks are: · Lead and contribute to the design and delivery of a variety of projects, small and large, from inception through to completion. · Engage directly with clients, consultants, and contractors to ensure the successful delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to a high standard. · Produce high-quality drawings, models, and detailed specifications. · Use Revit for design development and documentation, ensuring that the design intent is maintained throughout the project lifecycle. · Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, including planning and building regulations standards. · Support other team members. Skills, Experience, Requirements: · Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in the sector in architecture or technology. · Have experience of running projects on site. · A solid understanding of the UK Planning System and Building Regulations. · Proficiency in using Revit. · Have a UK driving license and car The role will be based in the office at Aske Estate in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday but can be flexible for the right person. Please get in touch today if you are interested in joining our team at; info@kca-architecture.co.uk
An initiative identified by a cross-industry group of racing bodies is underway across all British Racecourses to update and modernise their weighing rooms in line with jockey’s needs as athletes. The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) have set a number of key goals that need to be met in order to improve these facilities, with objectives that are designed to ensure the safety and welfare of jockeys, while also modernising and improving the weighing rooms to bring them up to date with the latest standards. The first and most immediate priority is to ensure the weighing room is a safe and secure environment for jockeys. The BHA have identified a number of measures which must be taken in order to ensure the current and future safety and welfare of jockeys of all ages and genders. These include the installation of private changing and showering facilities, shared communal rest, food provision and warm-up areas for jockeys. In addition, they have specified that any changes to the weighing room must be made in consultation with jockeys, racecourse staff, and other stakeholders. This ensures that any changes are tailored to meet the needs of all those involved in the sport. Part of the modernisations will also include new communal working spaces for jockeys’ valets that can be accessed from both the male and female dressing rooms independently and to retain sufficient flexibility to adapt the changing room sizes based on the varying participants on any given raceday and to changing societal needs. We were delighted when we were commissioned to work on the first racecourse weighing room redevelopment and unveiled these exciting new performance facilities at Leicester Racecourse in May 2022. The first racecourse to open with a warm-up performance and equipment area, we designed and produced the development to support jockeys as the elite athletes they are and continue to do so across the country. The brand-new gym area is equipped with a range of exercise tools aimed at ensuring jockeys are physically ready to compete and support against injury. The weighing room itself is a much more spacious area can also be extended when and if required by way of folding wall doors. The new communal relaxation area has comfortable sofas and excellent improved catering area, supporting the nutritional, physical and mental health needs of the jockeys. The medical room is a much more usable and comfortable space where injuries can be treated quickly and efficiently if necessary. Shower arrangements are much improved with private changing and shower areas in both the male and female changing rooms and these measures will help safeguard and support the needs of all current and future generations of jockeys regardless of ages or genders, underpinning the future of the sport for generations to come. With extensive experience working within the racing environment across the country, we at Craggs Architects are committed to helping racecourses not only meet these objectives but are delighted to have worked with stakeholders to ensure that the changes are in line with the latest standards and are sympathetic to the existing architecture and history of the weighing room. By October 2024 all weighing rooms should have these new adaptations in place and as we are very experienced in these changes, would be delighted to work with you and your teams to safeguard and future proof the next generation of athletes in our sport and all racecourse facilities. KCA Architecture Ltd (ARB) (RIBA) www.kca-architecture.co.uk E: info@kca-architecture.co.uk
