Three Dwellings on Farm Site (Alteration and Class Q Barn Conversions)

In 2021 we were instructed to design a scheme for a Farm site on the outskirts of Westbury.  The initial intention was to alter an existing Bungalow on the Farm and provide two new dwellings on the site. 

Planning Permission to alter the three Bedroom Bungalow to a large Four Bedroom two-story house was Approved in late 2022.  The works have since been completed and provide much better space for the Owner and their family providing a modern standard of living as well as improving the fenestration and insulation.

Under client’s instruction, a Pre-Planning Permission Application was submitted to the Local Authority for their desired two new dwellings. Unfortunately, as the area is termed in planning policy as ‘in the countryside’, the new dwellings were not deemed possible unless there was a justifiable agricultural need. This was despite the recent Approval of a large housing estate in a neighbouring field!

Four existing barns were located on the site, and we therefore investigated the possibility of converting two of the Barns under Class Q Permitted Development.  One barn consisted of a steel portal frame structure with corrugated tin cladding and roof coverings.  The other barn (previously a dairy) was constructed from blockwork with an asymmetrical roof with corrugated tin roof coverings.

Class Q allows for the conversion of Agricultural Buildings, subject to numerous Conditions being met.  We were able to advise the Clients that these buildings were suitable to exercise the Class Q Permitted Development.

We carried out architectural designs to convert the agricultural buildings into dwellings. Liaising with Client regarding their requirements; providing a contemporary family home within existing structures, originally envisaged for a very different purpose. Class Q has restrictions on extending the property so everything must be located within the original building, providing an interesting challenge for the design.

After agreeing the proposals with the different family members, followed by preparation of documents to justify to the Local Authority, how the building meets the criteria for Class Q, additional details were required to demonstrate that any Highway and Ecology concerns were also dealt with, prior to the submission of the Applications.

Each Application was dealt with separately due to the desires of the Client; this also allowed each Application to be reviewed separately and ensure any possible issue with one Barn did not affect the other Barn’s Approval. Approval for both Barns has now been granted and the family are now able to commence the works on site. A great success for everyone involved.