Government moves to make it easier for people living in rural areas to convert unwanted farm buildings into family sized and affordable homes have been welcomed by Bruton Knowles.

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Housing Minister Dominic Raab unveiled a range of measures to accelerate supply of affordable homes in the countryside.

Paul Barton, a Town Planner at Bruton Knowles’ Gloucester office, said: “The latest changes to Permitted Development Rights are naturally good news for people looking to buy or rent in the countryside.”

The changes will mean five new homes can be created from existing farm buildings rather than the three currently permitted.

Paul Barton said increasing the number of new homes permitted on any given development  could prove crucial in ensuring schemes were economically viable.

“However, what may also help is guidance on the level of conversion work which is acceptable.

“We have many clients who are willing to spend significant sums designing exceptional schemes. However, they often fall at the first hurdle when councils rule that the levels of conversion work they envisage is too extensive and more akin to a new build in the countryside.”

Applicants will also have an extra year to convert storage and outbuildings into new homes.

Paul Barton said clearer guidance would provide greater clarity to both landowners and local authorities, as whilst some local councils remain reluctant to recognise permitted development rights – most are simply guided by current prevailing case law (Hibbitt v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2016])      which the Judgement made clear that the extent of the works is not decisive. The judge stated “In many permitted developments the work might be extensive yet that does not thereby disqualify a development from automatic permission.” 

Therefore there remains considerable confusion, and clearer guidance will help the new 5 dwelling proposal become a reality.

“Farmers looking to free up redundant space to maximise the value of their farms as a buffer against Brexit are often being stymied by stringently applied planning regulations.

Paul Barton said farmers needed to be given every opportunity to maximise their assets – up to and including re-developing surplus farm buildings to help them offset loss of subsidies.