Landowners could potentially be able to unlock money-making potential by using Class Q buildings for new builds, following an appeal on a class Q planning case.
Class Q covers permitted development rights which allow landowners to develop agricultural buildings into residential use without requiring full planning permission. Class Q also allows non-traditional buildings such as steel -framed, or breeze block buildings to be converted into dwellings.
Although there are many stages for change of use, it does allow some great architectural opportunities that could contribute to the local area.
The appeal was for a case where a landowner applied to build new-builds on an area formerly covered by agricultural buildings, rather than applying for change of use under class Q consent.
What you need to know:
In some circumstances Class Q consent may now be used as a ‘stepping-stone’ to upgrade building plots on land adjacent or close to the shed/outbuilding itself.
Although you may now be able to convert a building, in some cases the outer frame must still stay as is. This depends on the structure or what it is made from, and in most cases the footprint and overall size must stay the same.
This is a new scheme and is in the very early stages of development, however, there has been one successful landowner who converted three desirable dwellings on plots worth over £600,000.
For many landowners, new builds or building plots can be more saleable there for boosting the economy and giving locals more work.
Key points:
- Design must be proven to enhance what already exists
- Certain planning issues such as scale, landscape and flood risk will have to be assessed
- Prior notification will still be needed from the local authority
- There could be a limit to 1500 square metres for development