Steve DaviesAssociate Director and Chartered Town Planner
If you have wondered how a barn in the countryside suddenly became a house, you have probably seen a Class Q Conversion -- I predict we will soon be seeing a lot more.
Given the state of the property market and value of houses, it’s not surprising there’s a growing interest in how property owners can transform their agricultural buildings into homes through the Permitted Development Rights (PDR) process.
The current legislation offers an excellent opportunity to farmers and landowners to quickly and cost-effectively secure planning permission for conversion of agricultural buildings into new dwellings in rural areas.
It applies to buildings up to 465 sq m (approx 5,000 sq ft) in area and/or up to five dwellings, but excludes agricultural buildings within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty “AONB”.
We obtained planning permission for the conversion of Woodside Farm Barn in Rainham
The legislation also allows changes to other uses such as shops, offices, restaurants, cafes, business uses, storage and distribution, hotels and leisure amongst others.
These permitted development rights mean that planning permission is not required and instead a prior notification is made to the authority of your intent to develop within the terms of the legislation. So far virtually every application submitted by the Hobbs Parker team has been successful.
We are well versed to advise you as to whether your buildings qualify for permitted development rights. These rights enable fast hassle free new uses for your buildings.
In the absence of permitted development rights, most authorities do in any event have planning policies that support the principle of farm diversification. It is a fact that most farms have to consider diversification to continue operating as a successful business.
All of our planning consultants have knowledge of farming and we don’t mind getting our boots dirty. If you have some redundant buildings and think that a new use could benefit you, please give us a call.
