The latest on the new Class Q Agricultural Barn to Dwellinghouse Legislation
The Government’s new legislation earlier this year updated the Class Q Prior Approval legislation. The background information requirements are still the same under the new legislation (e.g. structurally sound, acceptable highway access, no contamination, no flood risk) but it made some key changes to how it operates. These are set out below.
Key Changes
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Change to the base date
The previous date of 20 March 2013 has been updated to 24 July 2023. This ‘resets the clock’ for when any alterations to the buildings/holding via the agricultural section of the GPDO takes effect and will allow some barns to now be converted that previously did not comply due to works undertaken.
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Change to the floor area/number of units
It has been amended to allow up to 10 units with a combined floor area of 1,000 sqm. It has introduced a maximum floor area of 150 sqm for any one unit; this significantly changes the position from the previous legislation where a unit up to 465 sqm could be provided.
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Extensions are now allowed
Unlike the previous legislation where the existing building envelope could not be enlarged as part of the conversion, rear extensions are now allowed. These can only be single storey, no more than 4 metres in depth and must be on an existing hardcore area (in situ at the 2023 base date) and the floor area created is included within the 1,000 sqm allowance.
These changes on the face of it seem to be trying to offer greater flexibility and to deliver more standardised homes rather than very large isolated properties. It is potentially shifting the interested parties from bespoke end-users to small – medium sized developers in a bid to increase the number of units delivered via this system.
Additionally, both the old and new system are operating until 20 May 2025, meaning that there is still a window of opportunity to create that dream large barn conversion, or to use the new system and subdivide it into more units.
Further Information
Aitchison Raffety have been involved in various Class Q barn conversions and would be happy to assist you in your project. For more information, please contact Jonathan Weekes, Technical Director in our Planning and Development team on 07814 522016 or jonathan.weekes@argroup.co.uk
