Shropshire Farming Talk: Act now to convert larger agricultural buildings

 Immy Platt of Berrys says  now is the time to act if you wish to convert a larger agricultural building.

 Berrys has an excellent track record of achieving planning permission, the multi-disciplinary team can provide planning, architectural, drainage, highways and heritage advice. 

Class Q Permitted Development Rights

Class Q is a National Planning Policy which allows for the conversion of agricultural barns to residential use. This allows agricultural buildings to be converted to dwellings provided they are structurally sound, and that the conversion works remain within the envelope of the existing building. In May 2024, the legislation for Class Q was revised, opening more opportunities for the conversion of agricultural buildings. 

The changes to legislation include:

The possibility of adding a small extension to a building.

The ability to make amendments to the external elevations of a building. 

The ability to create up to 10 dwellings with a combined maximum floor area of 1000sq.m.

The total floorspace for each new converted dwelling will be capped at 150 sq.m.

Under the old legislation, a building can be converted into a single dwelling to provide up to 456 sq.m. of floorspace. In May 2025, the old legislation will be superseded, meaning you need to act now to have the option to convert into fewer but larger dwellings.

What If a Building Is Not Eligible for Conversion Under Class Q?

If a disused rural building does not meet the criteria for Class Q permitted development, conversion may still be a possibility through full planning permission. If the building is structurally sound and does not need significant rebuilding or extension, it has potential.

Conversions create opportunities for rural diversification, allowing the creation of homes to be rented, the start-up of new leisure enterprises with holiday lets or a place to set up a new rural business. 

Many councils have adopted planning policies which are supportive of the reuse of rural buildings, be it for the conversion of traditional barns with historic interest or modern steel framed barns.

 If you have property that may have potential, please contact Immy Platt on 07918 294803 or email immy.platt@berrys.uk.com.