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We are proud to serve the North of England & Wales
we are proud to announce that Sphion architecture won an award for
Loft & Barn Conversion Specialists of the Year 2024 - England & Wales
BARN CONVERSIONS
Sphion Architecture offers a comprehensive planning consultancy service across the UK. Our architectural technologists are dedicated to assisting clients at every stage of their project.
Whether you're exploring options, you need planning permission, or simply seeking pre-planning advice, or require our assistance with applications, our expert consultants are here to guide you through the process.
What are your best options for creating a brand new home in the country? It could well be converting a barn - here, we explain how your permitted development rights can make that possible
BARN CONVERSIONS: PLANNING & CLASS Q PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS [MAY 2024 UPDATE]
Barn conversions are becoming more common in the UK,
and can be a really great investment with converted barn prices soaring.
WHAT IS A BARN CONVERSION?
A barn conversion involves transforming an existing, disused barn into a new functional space. This space could become an office, a family home, a holiday rental, a bed and breakfast, or even a studio for artists and photographers.
Unlike a new build project on agricultural or Green Belt land, where you start from scratch, a barn conversion takes advantage of an existing structure. Many core elements, such as the structure, outer walls and the roof, are already in place, allowing you to create a comfortable, spacious area filled with natural light.
Barn conversions are an excellent choice for those looking to repurpose unused structures on their property. Architecturally, they offer the opportunity to create innovative and enjoyable designs.
ENHANCED CLASS Q PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS FOR BARN CONVERSIONS EFFECTIVE 21 MAY 2024
If you're considering converting a barn into a house, there's great news: starting 21 May 2024, your barn conversion might fall under the updated permitted development rights for agricultural buildings and land. This change means you won't need to submit a full planning application, simplifying the process and making it more affordable and quicker.
Navigating the planning permission and approval process can be intimidating and perplexing for many homeowners. Our team at Sphion architecture help you every step of the way, we oversee the entire application process from beginning to end, thereby saving you time, money, and stress. Whether you're planning on erecting agricultural buildings / sheds, planning an extension, a loft conversion, a barn conversion, a garage conversion, or are constructing a new house, we are dedicated to obtaining and securing your approval.
SUMMARY OF THE CHANGES TO THE CLASS Q PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
Furthermore, farms may now expand the number and size of buildings on site, again without the need for a planning application. Farmers can now take advantage of the updated Class Q regulations to convert unused agricultural buildings into up to 10 residential homes, doubling the previous limit of five.
Additionally, the maximum total floorspace for these conversions has increased from 865 sqm to 1,000 sqm, with each new dwelling limited to a maximum of 150 sqm (formerly 465 sqm).
Whether you're contemplating a change of use, or looking to submit a major planning application for one or more new dwellings, our team are here to help you effectively navigate the UK planning system. Commercial developments are complex and costly, so it is essential to seek professional pre-application advice to evaluate feasibility, costs, and the likelihood of success before committing. If your development is deemed feasible, our consultants will help you achieve your goals.
OTHER KEY CHANGES
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Single-storey rear extensions of up to 4 meters are permitted on any hard surface that existed on or before 24 July 2023 (or if it was added later, it must have been in place for at least 10 years).
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The barn being converted must have suitable existing access to a "public highway" (a public road for vehicles).
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If the barn existed on or before 24 July 2023 and agricultural permitted development rights have not been used, you can apply for Class Q. Note: if the barn was granted under permitted development, it needs to exist for 10 years before converting under Class Q.
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If the barn existed on or before 24 July 2023 and was part of an agricultural unit but has since ceased to be part of that unit and has not been used for other purposes or has been left empty for 10 years, Class Q can apply.
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The barn must have been used solely for agricultural purposes for at least the last 10 years, which is now a rolling date stamp.
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New external walls can be installed. This allows barns or units currently open to the elements on one or more sides to be converted. However, the structure of the barn must be functionally suitable for residential conversion. If you need to completely redo the structure to accommodate an external wall, it would be considered a barn renovation rather than a barn conversion and would not fall under permitted development rights.
LIMITATIONS OF CLASS Q PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
The enhanced Class Q permitted development rights aim to streamline the planning process and make it easier to create new homes compared to traditional methods. These rights present a unique opportunity to transform disused or neglected barns into residences that better meet property owners' needs.
However, certain limitations still apply:
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The number of dwellings allowed extends to the entire agricultural unit, not to different parcels of land or titles within the unit.
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Conversion works may include alterations to walls, windows, roofs, materials, drainage, services, and partial demolition, but they must be "reasonably necessary."
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The barn must be structurally capable of functioning as a dwelling.
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Adequate natural light must be incorporated into all habitable rooms in the new properties.
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Converted floorspace includes any mezzanine levels, not just the ground floor.
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Class Q is not permitted for listed buildings, conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks, the Broads, World Heritage Sites, sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), safety hazard areas, military explosive storage areas, or sites containing scheduled monuments.
COMPLIANCE
Since April 2021, all barn conversions have had to comply with minimum space standards, meaning that for new residential units to be created under Class Q permitted development rights, all proposed habitable rooms will have to meet a minimum standard set out by the government.
Permitted development rights differ from the standard planning permission process, in that there is no consideration on the council’s part in terms of local design and amenity requirements, so long as permitted development requirements are met.
However, these conditions can sometimes be highly specific or specialised - so consulting with a town planner can assist you in clarifying that your project meets all the necessary conditions.
LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION
In the United Kingdom it is a criminal offence to carry out any works to a listed building without first securing listed building consent and, in many cases, planning permission too. This is because listed buildings are often located within conservation areas. These areas are much more likely to have had permitted development rights removed, meaning planning applications can be much more difficult to get approved. With this in mind, at Sphion architecture we provide expert guidance and support to navigate the intricate process of securing the necessary permissions for alterations or developments involving listed buildings.
DESIGN VARIATIONS AFTER APPROVAL
With planning permission already granted for your development, it is important to note that your local authority have approved the exact design that was submitted. Any further changes to the design can only be made following further approval, additional consents will likely be required for any proposed changes to the original approved design. It is important to note that, building something that does not match the approved design can risk retrospective planning issues or you may receive an enforcement notice. Speak to us today to help ensure any modifications comply with regulations, minimising potential problems.
DIMENSIONS
"A dimension is the measurement of something in physical space."
Sphion architecture are working with farm owners throughout the UK, taking unused barns and agricultural buildings that have now been brought within the scope of permitted development and are keen to develop further proposals to capitalise on this change in the regulations.
While planning permission can never be guaranteed, falling within permitted development will still require lawful development which we will obtain for you, along with our current industry knowledge and experience & our building regulations drawing packs giving you the best chance of securing Planning Permission & Building Regulations approval
WHAT YOU NEED FROM SPHION ARCHITECTURE
Sphion architecture are working with farm owners throughout the UK, taking unused barns and agricultural buildings that have now been brought within the scope of permitted development and are keen to develop further proposals to capitalise on this change in the regulations.
While planning permission can never be guaranteed, falling within permitted development will still require lawful development which we will obtain for you, along with our current industry knowledge and experience & our building regulations drawing packs giving you the best chance of securing Planning Permission & Building Regulations approval
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