New Class Q Barn Conversion Rules

The revised rules on Permitted Development for barn conversions, commonly called Class Q, came into effect from May 2024

The rules for converting agricultural buildings under Permitted Development (commonly called Class Q) were updated last year. This will impact on many considering undertaking a barn conversion. However, there is a grace period during the transition from the old regulations to the new ones which lasts until May 2025. 

The key changes include:

  • Buildings do not necessarily need to have had an agricultural use, as long as they are located on an agricultural unit.
  • Buildings only need to have been part of an agricultural unit since July 24, 2023, or not used for any non-agricultural purposes since that date.
  • The previous limits on smaller and larger dwellings are removed. Now, up to 10 dwellings can be created, with a combined maximum of 1000m², and each dwelling limited to 150m². However, larger dwellings, previously allowed of up to 465m², are no longer possible.
  • You can extend a building onto an existing hardstanding, but only single-storey extensions are allowed that have a maximum depth and height of 4m. Extensions cannot extend beyond the side or front elevation.
  • The external envelope of a building can be extended for necessary operations, like adding cladding.
  • Buildings without suitable access cannot be converted under Class Q.
 

As before the new class Q barn conversion rules do not extend to protected land, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings.

This is a brief summary of the changes and you should refer to a suitable consultant for further detail. Should your project fall outside of these parameters then you would need to gain planning approval for your barn conversion.

If you wish to discuss a project or require a barn conversion architect, please feel free to contact me.