Class Q Barn Conversions

Class Q Services

Under Class q permitted development rights, a non-standard construction barn can be converted into one to 10 dwellings without the need for planning permission.

Similar to the permitted development rights for an extensions to your home; these rights permit these metal frame/industrial looking agricultural barns to be converted into dwellings, as long as a number of conditions are met.

For instance the building must be structurally sound and therefore able to be converted, rather than merely knocking it down a re-building. The footprint of the building (floor area) cannot be enlarged , unless there is an established area of hardstanding (in situ before July 2023) to the rear of the building ; then you can extend up to 4 metres.

 

For more up to date information on Class Q agricultural barn conversion to residential you can read my guidance on class q permitted development rights.

There are a great many of these barns that could potentially be converted into 1 to 10 dwellings, but each Local Authority interprets the legislation differently. This means it is key to liaise with the planning authority at the earliest opportunity to determine their interpretation of the legislation.

These large open plan barns do offer the opportunity to create a contemporary design , incorporating a large amount of glazing and the opportunity to create adhoc floor plans.

Recent Class Q Conversions

Class Q barn prior to conversion before photo from Norfolk project, exterior of farm farm

Class Q Permitted Development

New build barn class Q approval mock up example for Norfolk project

New Build Barns following Class Q Approval

class q application norfolk barn front view on farm

Class Q Application in Norfolk

Explore more services

Extensions and Alterations

Traditional Barn Conversions

New Build
Designs

Plots and
Developments

Farm
Diversification

Stuart provides an efficient and good value service, with a quick understanding of client needs and excellent ideas.

Julian – Norfolk

Class Q Conversion Advice

Surveys required for Barn Conversions

Barns conversions will more often than not require an ecological survey (bat, owl or newt etc) and structural survey to be submitted with the planning application. We can arrange for all of these to be undertaken on your behalf.

Non traditional Barn Conversions - Class Q

Here is some guidance on Class Q. conversions.

We also work closely with a Norfolk based planning expert who can offer guidance on the conversions of barns under permitted development (often referred to as Class Q) and undertake the structural surveys that are required with this class of application.

You can find out more here on the UK Government site

Converting Barns to Offices

I was on the committee for the Wensum and Coast Local Action Group which delivered rural development funding across North Norfolk. Grants may still be available for the conversion of barns to offices for rental to local start up businesses. I can point you in the direction of your Local Action Group for your area as funding may still be available.

  • Improving Community and Business Facilities and Services.
  • Supporting Small and Micro Enterprises.
  • Promoting responsible use of the high quality environment for tourism, including contributing to its conservation and enhancement.
  • Increasing and adding value to food and drink production and processing.
  • Farm Diversification and Productivity.
  • Water Management.
  • Forestry.
Rural development funding

Learn more about rural development funding at Norfolk Lags.

Barn Converting Design Guide

For good practice and basic principles of barn converting , this is a helpful barn conversion design guide and guidance on the conversion of traditional farm buildings.

Class Q barn steel minimal interior with exposed roof brackets and modern sofa

Morton Architectural Design

Providing architect services, planning, design and project management for over 20 years.

Contact

07769 553295
stuart@mortonarchitecture.co.uk

Location

Based in Aylsham, Norfolk serving Norfolk, Suffolk and East Anglia

Follow