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The Government has this week published a major consultation that could see the introduction of a relaxation in the planning rules surrounding the conversion of redundant farm buildings into new homes.

Stuart Irvine, a Director at independent planning consultancy Turley Associates said: "This consultation follows proposals made earlier this year to extend permitted development rights to allow land-owners to convert barns and farm buildings to retail, employment and community use.  The consultation has gone one-step further allowing for the potential conversion to residential use

"This could represent a significant boon for rural land holders, with a conversion to housing offering greater certainty of a financial return.  Given the huge demand for homes in rural areas and the prospects of achieving a rental income, this potential change is likely to be far more attractive than office or retail conversions and is likely to gain wide support from the rural community."

The consultation seeks views on 5 proposals for permitted development rights and includes two specific to agricultural buildings

• existing buildings used for agricultural purposes of up to 150 square metres to change to residential use
• a building used for agricultural purposes of up to 500 square metres to be used as a new state funded school or a nursery providing childcare

All proposals also include permission to carry out building work connected with the change of use.

The consultation – called Great Flexibilities For Change Of Use - will run until 15 October 2013.  The Government hopes to introduce changes from April 2014.

More details click here