Class Q – Let’s go for 10!
April 2025
For the last year or so applicants have had the option to submit Class Q applications for prior approval under either the ‘old rules’ or ‘new rules’. In simple terms, the old rules allowed the conversion of barns to create up to five homes, three of which could have pretty generous floor areas, but with very strict rules to preclude extensions and to limit garden and parking areas.
However, from 21st May 2025 it will no longer be possible to submit applications using the old rules. All applications from that point onwards will have to be made under the new rules. For those of you looking to embark on a new Class Q project, this blog provides a refresher on what can and can’t be done under the new rules.
1. Up to 10 homes: The new rules allow for the creation of up to 10 homes through the conversion of barns. This is double what could be achieved under the old rules.
2. Expanded floor space allowance: The maximum total floor space permissible for conversions has increased from 865 square metres to 1000 square metres. However, each new home is limited to no more than 150 square metres.
3. Rear extensions: The new rules permit a single-storey rear extension of up to four metres, albeit only on hard-standing areas that existed on 24th July 2023. If the hardstanding was laid after this date, then you will need to wait until it’s been in place for 10 years. Bear in mind, it isn’t always obvious which elevation comprises the ‘rear’ of a barn.
4. Eligibility of non-agricultural buildings: Under the new rules both agricultural and non-agricultural buildings may be eligible for conversion. However, buildings may be ruled out depending on whether they formed part of an established agricultural unit (EAU) on or after 24th July 2023. This part of the legislation is rather complicated and we would strongly recommend seeking advice from an experienced planning consultant to establish if a particular building is eligible.
5. Access Requirements: The new rules stipulate that a barn must already benefit from an existing suitable access to a public highway. So, if a barn can be reached by a standard car, it is likely to be eligible.
6. Restricted designations: Listed barns or barns within National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), Conservation Areas and certain other designations are still unable to take advantage of Class Q permitted development rights.
There are certainly pros and cons to the new rules. On the one hand you can achieve a greater number of homes and even non-agricultural buildings can now qualify. On the other hand, each home cannot exceed 150 square metres and barns must already have a suitable access in place.
What is for sure is that the new rules still provide a great opportunity for farm businesses to convert redundant or underused buildings into homes. This might be attractive for farm businesses looking to maximise value prior to the sale of barns, provide accommodation for family members or staff, or rent them out as an additional income stream.
And for those who wish to go one step further, it is often possible to use a Class Q consent as a stepping stone towards obtaining planning permission for a replacement development of new build homes. This can often achieve a far better design outcome and add considerable value to any development site.
As ever, we would always advise seeking professional advice before embarking on a new Class Q project, as there are numerous potential pitfalls to be navigated. For specialist advice in relation to the Class Q legislation and its implications for your development proposals, view our services or contact our Development Land and Planning team on 01823 334466 or at [email protected].
However, from 21st May 2025 it will no longer be possible to submit applications using the old rules. All applications from that point onwards will have to be made under the new rules. For those of you looking to embark on a new Class Q project, this blog provides a refresher on what can and can’t be done under the new rules.
1. Up to 10 homes: The new rules allow for the creation of up to 10 homes through the conversion of barns. This is double what could be achieved under the old rules.
2. Expanded floor space allowance: The maximum total floor space permissible for conversions has increased from 865 square metres to 1000 square metres. However, each new home is limited to no more than 150 square metres.
3. Rear extensions: The new rules permit a single-storey rear extension of up to four metres, albeit only on hard-standing areas that existed on 24th July 2023. If the hardstanding was laid after this date, then you will need to wait until it’s been in place for 10 years. Bear in mind, it isn’t always obvious which elevation comprises the ‘rear’ of a barn.
4. Eligibility of non-agricultural buildings: Under the new rules both agricultural and non-agricultural buildings may be eligible for conversion. However, buildings may be ruled out depending on whether they formed part of an established agricultural unit (EAU) on or after 24th July 2023. This part of the legislation is rather complicated and we would strongly recommend seeking advice from an experienced planning consultant to establish if a particular building is eligible.
5. Access Requirements: The new rules stipulate that a barn must already benefit from an existing suitable access to a public highway. So, if a barn can be reached by a standard car, it is likely to be eligible.
6. Restricted designations: Listed barns or barns within National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), Conservation Areas and certain other designations are still unable to take advantage of Class Q permitted development rights.
There are certainly pros and cons to the new rules. On the one hand you can achieve a greater number of homes and even non-agricultural buildings can now qualify. On the other hand, each home cannot exceed 150 square metres and barns must already have a suitable access in place.
What is for sure is that the new rules still provide a great opportunity for farm businesses to convert redundant or underused buildings into homes. This might be attractive for farm businesses looking to maximise value prior to the sale of barns, provide accommodation for family members or staff, or rent them out as an additional income stream.
And for those who wish to go one step further, it is often possible to use a Class Q consent as a stepping stone towards obtaining planning permission for a replacement development of new build homes. This can often achieve a far better design outcome and add considerable value to any development site.
As ever, we would always advise seeking professional advice before embarking on a new Class Q project, as there are numerous potential pitfalls to be navigated. For specialist advice in relation to the Class Q legislation and its implications for your development proposals, view our services or contact our Development Land and Planning team on 01823 334466 or at [email protected].