“Measures to support housing delivery, the agricultural sector and economic growth have been proposed in a major Government consultation. These include, among others, amending Class Q and Class R permitted development rights”, says Brian Dinnis of Acorn Rural Property Consultants.
“Many readers will be familiar with Class Q for the conversion of agricultural buildings to up to 5 dwellings on an agricultural unit and that it does not apply to buildings in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks”, remarks Dinnis.
Dinnis explains, “to support the delivery of rural homes, changes are proposed to Class Q to allow up to 10 dwellings per agricultural unit; to increase the floorspace that can change use to 1000m2; to set a new single maximum floorspace limit of 100 or 150 square metres per home; to allow rear extensions; and to extend the right to apply to buildings not solely used for agricultural purposes and to former agricultural buildings no longer on a unit. Views are also sought on applying Class Q to other rural buildings.
Recognising that communities in National Parks and AONBs need homes to thrive and prosper, the proposals include expanding Class Q to apply in these areas.
The proposed reforms also include amending Class R. This right allows for the change of use of agricultural buildings to storage or distribution; hotels; commercial business and service uses. Changes are proposed to add outdoor sports, recreation or fitness uses and the processing of raw goods produced on agricultural units to the list of permitted uses and to increase the floor area allowed to change use to 1000 square metres.”
“The consultation closes on 25 September. The proposed limit of 100 to 150 square metres per home would be more restrictive than current Class Q rules and would be a constraint when formulating conversion schemes for some buildings. Other changes, however, would provide a welcome extension of this right to deliver homes in rural areas, including homes that are much needed by communities in AONBs and National Parks. The proposed changes to Class R would also make it easier for farmers to diversify their businesses without facing the complexity, time and cost of going through the full planning process”, adds Dinnis.
For further information please contact Acorn Rural Property Consultants on 01884 212380.
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