Infrastructure fear over barn conversions

A POTENTIAL surge in barn conversion homes could heap more pressure on rural schools and roads in England, the Local Government Association (LGA) claims.

The LGA fears that changes to permitted development regulations, which come into force on April 6, may trigger a dramatic increase in the number of conversions. It said currently, landowners can convert agricultural buildings into three new homes without the need for planning permission, but changes will soon allow conversions of individual agricultural buildings into five new homes.

The LGA said this means an increasing number of larger agricultural to residential conversions could take place without having to get planning permission or contributing towards local services, infrastructure and affordable housing.

Councillor Martin Tett, the LGA’s housing spokesman, said: “Councils want to see more affordable homes built quickly. However, it is vital that councils and local communities have a voice in the planning process. At present, rules allow developers to bypass local influence and convert existing buildings to flats, and to do so without providing affordable housing and local services and infrastructure such as roads and schools.”