Changes to permissions for agricultural barn conversions

On 21st May 2024, Permitted Development Rights for the conversion of agricultural barns into residential dwellings were updated.

Now, subject to complying with the regulations, a site could convert agricultural buildings into a maximum of ten dwellings. The maximum size of a dwelling is 150 sq. m. in size, with the cumulative floorspace of all ten dwellings being no greater than 1,000 sq. m.

We are sure you’ll agree that these changes are an improvement. The previous regulations permitted a maximum conversion space of 465 sq.m. into a maximum of five dwellings, with additional, detailed regulations applied.

The new regulations provide greater flexibility and opportunity overall. However, they do prevent the conversion of an agricultural building into a dwelling in excess of 150 sq.m., whereas the previous regulations provided scope for one dwelling to be a maximum of 465 sq.m.

So, if you’re looking to convert an agricultural building into a substantial dwelling, you will not be able to rely on Permitted Development Rights, instead, planning permission will be required.

If you have any agricultural barns that you feel may be suitable for conversions and would like to get in touch, please contact our Land Director, Katherine Gray on 01252 597765, or by email, here.

Sources:

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2024 (legislation.gov.uk)