Class Q allows for agricultural buildings to be transformed into residential dwellings, which offers a unique opportunity to develop areas that typically will not be granted planning permission. Evading limiting planning policies introduces an extensive advantage to land owners own agricultural buildings that are no longer in use, and allows for the conversion of these buildings into attractive housing in a rural setting.
Class Q criteria
In order to qualify with the Class Q criteria, the building must have been part of an “established agricultural unit” before 20th March 2013. If the building was introduced for agricultural use after this date, the building must have been used for ten years within agriculture before the opportunity for Class Q development is assessed. It is essential that the building’s use is connected to agriculture and the applicant has evidence for this, and is not used for other purposes in order to successfully apply for a Class Q conversion. The building intended to be converted must be “capable of functioning as a dwelling”, however partial demolition can take place during the conversion process.
With your application, floor plans must be submitted, to ensure that the minimum space standards for living have been met. As well as this, there must be an adequate level of natural light in each habitable room. A habitable room is outlined as any space that is intended for sleeping or living that is not exclusively used for cooking purposes. This dismisses toilet facilities, corridors, hallways or utility rooms.
How many properties can fall under a Class Q conversion?
Under a Class Q conversion, the maximum number of properties able to be converted is five, as long as they are labelled as ‘smaller dwelling houses’. Under the specifications of Class Q, ‘smaller dwellings’ are described as houses up to 100m2, and ‘larger dwellings’ are between 100m2 and 465m2. An individual may convert up to three larger properties, as long as the area converted does not exceed 465m2, or up to five smaller dwellings of up to 100m2 each. Applicants may choose to combine the two sized, as long as the limit of five units is not exceeded. Therefore, applicants may have five units of 100m2 and convert 500m2, or three large dwellings (that do not extend beyond 465m2) and have two dwellings of 100m2 each. In accordance to Class Q permissions, the floorspace converted includes mezzanine levels rather than just the ground floor of the property.
Conservation areas
Listed buildings are not permitted for conversion, as well as conservation areas, National Parks and World Heritage Sites. Sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) may not be developed on, as well as areas that have a schedules monument or pose a safety hazard or areas of military explosive storage. It is not permitted to increase the footprint of the existing residential dwelling, so if demolition is taking place, the construction should not develop beyond this. Additionally, individuals may not extend the roof of the barn, as both extending the footprint or the roof would require complete planning permission.
If you require support with your application, or would like to find out more about how Class Q conversions could benefit you, please contact your local office on:
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