Change of Planning Use
The most common change of planning use, that we work on, is a barn conversion to a dwelling. Often, this is just called ‘change of use’. Barn conversions mainly have agricultural (or sui generis in planning terms) use. But sometimes they have Storage, Commercial or Business use. To change the planning use of a barn […]
Barn Conversion into a Dwelling, a Guide following changes to permitted development rights
2025 update! Changes to permitted development rights. Permitted development rights changed in 2024 for an agricultural barn conversion into a dwelling. Other use classes (eg commercial or storage, have different permitted development rules). I have written more detail about Class Q changes on this blog. And more specifically about modern barn conversions and Class Q […]
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – what is it and what does it mean to me?
What is BNG? Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for small sites came into force in April 2024 (previously it only applied to larger developments). With all planning applications (except for homeowner ones) you now need to demonstrate 10% biodiversity improvement on what was there before. For example, if you have a grassy area, you could improve […]
Important Changes to Class Q Permitted Development: May 2025 Update
Don’t forget that Class Q planning has changed! Starting from May 2025, we’ll see the end of the transition period between the old and new Permitted Development (PD) rights for barn conversions. Old PD – convert a barn into a single large dwelling. New PD – convert a barn into a few smaller dwellings […]
Class Q planning for large modern barn conversions
Modern barns for conversion [2025 updated] Since 2020 we have seen an increase in planning permissions for modern barns for conversion. However changes are afoot! By ‘modern’ barns, we mean the steel-framed large barns clad in concrete block, timber boarding or metal sheeting. They usually have metal or asbestos roofs. Class Q legislation is more […]
The Community Infrastructure Levy and what it means for self-builders and barn conversions
Updated in 2025. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a piece of legislation adopted by most UK councils affecting developments since 1st April 2016. It is an additional charge that applies to new-build homes, new floors in barn conversions and home extensions over 100m2. You can apply for self-build exemption if it will be your […]
Can I extend a barn conversion?
Can I extend a barn conversion? In general planners have a dislike for barn conversion extensions. Most councils have policies that effectively exclude them. But there are some exceptions. Generally, as barns are in open-countryside, new-build is not an option. However, re-building former barns can sometimes be granted with significant justification to the planning authority. […]
Listed Barn Conversion
Can I convert a listed barn? Listed barn conversions make beautiful and characterful homes. However just like with other listed buildings, there will be more design restrictions. Notwithstanding the barn will need to be in reasonable condition for conversion. If it is in very poor condition (like this one in South Northamptonshire below that we […]
Do barn conversions need planning permission?
Do barn conversions need planning permission? Do barn conversions need planning permission? In some form yes. This particular one (above) was obtained via Prior Approval and then a further application for ‘Operations and Development in Association with Prior Approval’ – bit of a mouthful that one! If the barn is listed or in a conservation […]
What is the Cost of a Barn Conversion?
What is the Average Cost of a Barn Conversion? What is the cost to convert a barn and other questions answered by barn conversion expert Clare Nash. What is the average cost of a barn conversion? (updated for 2024) In 2025, unfortunately construction price rises have not reversed. The impact of Brexit and Ukraine is still […]
