Permission to convert a group of farm buildings into residential dwellings has recently been approved by a Planning Inspector. This is despite the fact that the structures had largely been rebuilt already.
The local council tried to argue that the partial rebuilding already carried out meant the barns were essentially new, which would have prevented them benefiting from national rules which allow older agricultural buildings to be changed into housing.
The farm owner had argued that the partial rebuilding was due to safety concerns following a visit from the Health and Safety Executive. The Planning Inspector who ruled on the case, Edwina Symmons, accepted this and she confirmed that the structures were still longstanding agricultural buildings, so the national policy allowing change to residential use could apply. She also decided that the proposal would enhance the area overall, so it would comply with local planning policies as well.
If you'd like help with getting permission to convert any of your existing buildings into homes, or for any other planning consent concerns, then call Planix.uk on 0845 170 8050 or email simon@planix.uk.
