Big changes to Class Q & Class R for agricultural buildings
Last night the government updated the legislation for Class Q and Class R.
Class Q was refreshed on 30th April 2024, with the changes taking effect from 21st May 2024. Any applications on or after this date, will be subject to the new limits. Although until 20th May 2025, you can apply under the old rules, but not be able to take advantage of extensions (see below)
The main differences are five becomes ten new dwellings. The amount of space you can convert has increased to 1,000 m², however the maximum size of any dwelling is now 150 m² – therefore in order to have ten new dwellings under Class Q, each one will need to be 100 m² each.
You can now extend to the rear of the barn or agricultural building by up to 4m on any hard surface which was present on or before 24th July 2023.
The biggest factor and advantage for owners of barns is that far more barns now qualify under Class Q including barns that are no longer used for agricultural purposes. At this time there are no changes to barns used for equestrian purposes unless they are part of an agricultural unit.
Planning Geek are ready to submit applications on or after 21st May 2024. Please fill in our form here, for a fee proposal.
New date of 24th July 2023
Whilst not every barn will now qualify for conversion, if the barn was erected under full planning before 24th July 2023 you may now be able to convert under Class Q.
You can read all about Class Q here. This page goes into far greater detail as to what is or isn’t now possible.
This news item is being updated.
Class R changes
Class R which previously allowed for an agricultural building to be changed to B8 (Storage & distribution), C1 (Hotels) or Use Class E (Commercial, business or service), this has now been extended.
Class R now be converted to Use Class B2 (General industrial) , Use Class F2(c) (Outdoor sport and recreation) or the provision of agricultural training from 21st May 2024.
The former limit of 500 sq m has risen to 1,000 sq m.
Larger agricultural units could now have 10 dwellings and a hotel using 2,000 sq m of agricultural buildings!!
Other legislative changes introduced
As part of the The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2024 (or SI 579) – a few other changes are brought into effect.
Planning Geek can submit your application
Planning Geek are ready to submit applications on or after 21st May 2024. Please fill in our form here, for a fee proposal.
Page updated: 9th May 2024
