Recent amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act (General Permitted Development Order 2015) have brought significant changes to Class Q permitted development rights (PDRs), which allow farmers to convert agricultural buildings into residential dwellings. Planning experts have noted both positive and negative aspects of these changes. The government introduced these amendments following a consultation in 2023, and they took effect on 21 May 2024. However, transitional arrangements are in place to assist those who may be disadvantaged by the new requirements.
One of the major updates includes a new cap on floor space for converted dwellings. The changes generally offer greater flexibility but also come with some limitations. Farmers can now create up to 10 dwellings with a maximum cumulative floor space of 1,000 square metres.
However, each individual dwelling is capped at 150 square metres, roughly the size of a typical three-bedroom house. Previously, the limit was five dwellings with a cumulative floor space of 865 square metres and it was also possible to develop up to three larger dwellings with a cumulative floor space of 465 square metres.
The overall increase in total floor space is a positive step, but the 150 square metre limit restricts farmers’ options a little as not all large units will have the capacity to be divided into smaller units, for example.
Additionally, many clients seek to build homes larger than 150 square metres for their personal use. For the next year, until 20 May 2025, farmers can choose to apply under either the old rules or the new ones. So if you think this could be your next move, don’t hang around, we would love to help and support you on this journey, please do get in touch if we can assist.
Drop me an email at info@lavingham.com, today! Or check out our services page for more info on what we can offer.
