The importance of keeping agricultural buildings in good repair

Gary Hooper BSc (Hons) FRICS, associate partner, chartered surveyor, RICS registered valuer, part of our Professional Department, heads up Stags property surveys and regularly carries out Structural Surveys for planning purposes on a full range of traditional and modern farm buildings.  Gary works collaboratively with Stags Planning and Design on applications to secure Class Q and Planning consents for proposed conversion of agricultural buildings into dwellings for clients throughout the Westcountry. 

Following the extension of broadening options for converting agricultural buildings under Class Q permitted development rights, now is a pertinent time for farm owners and landowners to consider an alternative future for their agricultural buildings. 

Whilst originally envisaged for traditional stone or brick farm buildings, the Class Q planning rights also apply to larger and more modern steel and timber frame farm buildings, meaning there is greater scope and options for re-use of farm buildings as residential dwellings.   

As part of any Class Q or planning application for conversion of an agricultural barn into a dwelling, a Structural Survey is highly recommended.  For a building to be capable of conversion it needs to be in a good structural condition. 

It is not just the actual structure that needs to be in good condition, but also the external fabric, including the roof and wall cladding material, which is particularly important for modern farm buildings.   

It is easy to neglect a building that has served its purpose, and instead invest in new buildings and other projects.  However, if buildings fall into disrepair and are no longer sound or wind and weathertight, this can compromise the result of the Structural Survey and the potential for obtaining Class Q or planning consent for its conversion into a residential dwelling.   

Ultimately, preventative maintenance and repair means greater added value and potential for conversion or alternative future use of these rural buildings. For advice or more information, contact Gary Hooper on [email protected] or 01566 771808. 

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