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Q&As
Can I convert a listed barn into a new home under Class Q?
I am considering buying a group of grade II listed barns to convert into a new home plus office space, storage and potentially as additional accommodation. The barns have been unused for a long time and have limited land attached to them. Would the project be eligible under Class Q permitted development rights? Does a listed building status affect this?
2 Answers
Hi Ryan,
Thanks so much for getting in touch with your question. Class Q is a permitted development right that allows you to convert an agricultural building (such as a barn) into a dwelling. It’s classed as permitted development- meaning that it is not subject to all the usual planning restrictions. It’s particularly useful for getting around the general rule that new homes should not be created in the countryside.
It is therefore a very powerful permitted development right, but it does have a list of rules and restrictions of its own. You’re required to submit an application to the council for prior approval before you start work, so that the council can assess whether you meet the various requirements.
The fact that your buildings have been unused for a long time and have limited land around them is not necessarily a problem, but I am sorry to say that one of the requirements of Class Q is that the building cannot be listed. Since your buildings are grade II listed, they would not be eligible for a Class Q conversion. You still have the option of submitting a full planning application, which would be assessed against all relevant planning policies. To work out whether you might be granted permission, consult a planning specialist or speak to your council planning department. You can also read the relevant local policies yourself on the council’s website or look up similar local applications for barn conversions to see whether they have been successful.
Best of luck with your plans,
Martin Gaine (Build It’s Planning expert)
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