With Class Q permitted development rights changing in May 2025, now is the time to act if you wish to convert a larger agricultural building.
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 1000sqm.
•The total floorspace for each new converted dwelling will be capped at 150sqm.
Under the old legislation, a building can be converted into a single dwelling to provide up to 456sqm of floorspace. In May 2025, the old legislation will be superseded, meaning you need to act now if you wish to covert fewer but larger farm buildings.
Berrys has an excellent record of achieving planning permission for Class Q conversions and is a team that can provide planning, architectural, drainage, highway and heritage advice. If you’re thinking of utilising Class Q to carry out a conversion, now is the best time to act to maximise options.
If you have property that may have potential, please contact Immy Platt on 07918 294803 or email immy.platt@berrys.uk.com
