We covered Listed Buildings and protected land in Part 1 of this post, which you can read here
If your barn is not listed and not located in a Conservation Area or protected landn protected land, such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you typically have two main options for securing permission to convert it.
Class Q is part of the UK’s Permitted Development legislation and applies specifically to the conversion of agricultural buildings like barns into residential dwellings.
Rather than applying for full planning permission, you would submit a Prior Approval application.
While the process is similar to planning permission, the local planning authority assesses your application based on the criteria in the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), not broader planning policy.
Class Q can be restrictive in some cases. Key limitations include:
The barn must be located on an agricultural unit.
Demolition and extensions are only allowed within strict limits.
There are maximum size thresholds for the converted dwelling(s).
The building must be structurally sound enough to convert without major rebuilding.
Class Q does not apply to Listed Buildings or barns on protected land such as National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
Under Prior Approval the entire conversion has to be completed within there years, whereas with planning permission the applicant has three years to make a meaningful start on the conversion.
Full planning permission may offer greater flexibility, especially for complex or design barn conversions.
Planning policy is based on the National Planning Policy Framework, together with local planning policy (NPPF) and interpreted by your local planning authority.
Unlike Class Q, it allows planners to consider design, layout, materials, and site-specific conditions.
It’s often the better route if your barn requires significant changes or sits in a sensitive location.
While planning permission can be more subjective and time-consuming, it may enable a more ambitious or tailored design than Class Q permits.
Choosing between Class Q Prior Approval and Planning Permission depends on several factors:
The existing use and structure of your barn.
Whether your site is in a designated area or contains heritage protections.
The scale and design of the conversion you wish to undertake.
Your timeline and budget.
Before you begin, it is important to seek expert advice to ensure you’re pursuing the best route for your specific site.
If you’re considering a barn conversion and need tailored advice on Class Q, planning applications, or design feasibility, we’re here to help.
If you are thinking of undertaking a barn conversion and wish to find out more, please feel free to contact David.
Images: Spring Water Barn and Church Hill Barn (Photography, Steve Lancefield)