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Stephen Boundy MSc MRTPI, associate and senior planner, discusses a successful planning application granted for a Class Q barn conversion on the fringes of Exmoor.
Stags have recently successfully secured permission under Class Q permitted development rights for the conversion of a client’s agricultural building to a substantial five-bedroom single storey dwelling.
The barn occupies an enviable position near Maundown, on the south eastern fringe of Exmoor; however, because it falls just outside of the National Park’s boundary, it was eligible for conversion under Class Q.
Despite objection from Wiveliscombe Town Council, the Stags team were able to demonstrate to the Council that the proposed conversion met the criteria set out in the General Permitted Development Order and permission was consequently granted.
The barn and surrounding 4.6 acres are currently available for purchase with a guide price of £350,000, along with a further adjoining 58.32 acres of productive land which are available as a separate lot (Guide price £495,000). For the full site listing, the property can be viewed here.
This case is an excellent example of how Class Q remains a useful tool in obtaining permission for homes in rural locations where local councils may otherwise not permit residential development. With recent calls from some quarters for a review of permitted development rights as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, and wider uncertainties regarding the continued existence of Class Q in the event of a change of Government, now is the ideal time to consider whether you may have agricultural buildings that are suitable for conversion.
If you would like professional advice on whether this may be feasible, please contact Stags Planning and Design department via planning@stags.co.uk or 01392 439046.
