PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS

You can convert agricultural buildings under permitted development (PD) rights, although this only applies in England and has strict guidelines. While this is not done under a full planning application, you will still have to notify the council.

You’ll need to check if your council asks for prior approval for contamination, noise impact, flood risk and vehicular access. The local authority will also assess if there is any harm in changing from agricultural to residential use. This process is not as easy as the headlines would suggest, but it is still simpler than the former route of making a full planning application. Other caveats dictate that the agricultural structure must have been in existence as of 20th March 2013, as well as established for 10-plus years prior to this.

The maximum size of dwelling allowed under barn conversion PD rights is 465m2 either as one residence or split into several homes – up to a maximum of five. Bear in mind that you have to use the original structure, so you cannot knock it down and rebuild. Balconies are not permitted on barns.