As of April 6 this year, the planning rules in England have been relaxed for the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use, which should make a difference to the property shortage in the UK as well as breathing life into rural communities.
Although there are certain stipulations within the new rules, the introduction of this more relaxed approach to planning is welcome because it will reduce the amount of red tape that currently surrounds conversion and the amount of documentation that is usually associated with normal planning applications.
Under the new rules existing agricultural buildings can be converted to up to three residential dwellings, although the maximum area of buildings which can be converted is 450 square metres.
Meanwhile the footprint of the completed development must not exceed or extend beyond the existing footprint, although partial demolition is allowed, and the permitted development operations are limited to the installation or replacement of doors, windows, roofs or external walls and services.
Of course, prior approval will be required for the project, including sanction of the location, design and external appearance and transport or highways affected by the development.
Owners of such properties should note, however, that the changes do not apply to Listed Buildings, nor to building in certain designated areas, such as National Parks, Conservation Areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
They would also not apply if the land forms part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest (SSSi), a safety hazard area or a military explosives area.