Do I need planning permission to convert an agricultural building into a dwelling?
You don't need planning permission but you do need to make a 'Class Q' Prior Approval application to the local planning authority. Cheffins planning team has recently secured prior approval for a number of Class Q permissions in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. This allows the change of use of agricultural buildings to dwellings without the need for full planning permission.
Is there an inherent value in securing Class Q permissions?
Many of the buildings for which Cheffins planning team has secured Class Q prior approval have been entered into the Cheffins Property Auctions. Recently the team secured a prior approval for an agricultural dwelling near Great Sampford in Essex. This was subsequently sold for £310,000 at Cheffins' Property Auction. This dwelling has now been converted and is on the market with a guide price of £900,000. The end result is a high quality, high specification design with far-reaching views over the Essex countryside. It makes an effective use of a former agricultural building and has enhanced a dilapidated building and site.
If you would like advice on converting agricultural buildings into residential dwellings please contact the Planning Team on 01223 271985.
Image: Starrs Farm Barn, Little Sampford, Essex
