Changes to permitted development rights came into force at the end of May improving opportunities for some farmers and estate owners to find alternative uses for their barns without the need to seek planning permission.
Class Q – Agricultural Buildings to Residential
This allows agricultural barns to be converted to dwellings. The key changes are that the 5 dwelling limit has been increased to 10 and the amount of space that be converted is now 1000 sqm. However, the maximum size of each dwelling is now 150sqm.
In addition, barns can be extended to the rear by up to 4m on any hard surface that existed before July 2023.
The qualification date has been re-set at 24th July 2023 therefore if your barn was > 10 years old and had been part of an agricultural unit at that time then Class Q may apply, even if the barn has ceased being used for agriculture. This has meant that far more barns now qualify. Unfortunately, however Class Q does not operate in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas or for Listed Buildings.
Butler Sherborn has recently sold Tellings Barn, Minety with Class Q designation for conversion to a single dwelling. Guide Price £350,000.
Class R – Agricultural Buildings to Commercial
This previously allowed agricultural buildings solely used for agricultural purposes for >10 years to be changed to a number of different use classes including B8 (storage & distribution) but this has now been widened to include use class B2 (general industrial) amongst others. The limit of 500sqm has also been increased to 1000 sqm. Importantly, and unlike Class Q, Class R applies in AONB’s and Conservation Areas so is of greater relevance across the Cotswolds, much of which is in the AONB.
Butler Sherborn has great Planning Consultant and Architect contacts we work with to help our clients explore and take advantage of these opportunities on Farms and Estates. We can help provide formal or informal valuation advice as part of the decision making process or wider strategic business, inheritance or succession planning.
To discuss further please contact Richard Greasby, Head of the Rural & Professional Department 01285 883740 richard@butlersherborn.co.uk
