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Q&As
Is there another way to secure approval from planners for an extension to a barn I want to convert?
I have been informed by the council that a barn may be suitable for conversion to residential use if the existing building is structurally sound and capable of reuse without significant rebuilding, alteration or substantial extensions.
I am confident the existing barn would meet this criteria and I would like to put a right angle return extension at the end of the barn, but have been told that neither a two storey nor a single storey extension would be supported.
The extension would be on the footprint of an old barn which had to be demolished for safety reasons, but there are still the original pillars standing and the concrete floor area is still intact. I would use the original bricks on the build.
Subject to gaining planning permission for the barn, would I be able to rebuild the original (demolished barn) and then apply for permission to convert to residential use?
The extension would play an integral part of the whole development and be part of my eco plan and a more cosy retreat in winter. The council response is that in their opinion “the needs of a residential dwelling house could be accommodated within the existing footprint of the barn”.
One Answer
Hi Michael,
Converting a barn or other agricultural building is a great way to get a new home in the countryside where planning controls are quite strict. Class Q permitted development rights allow barn conversions, subject to various limitations, and many councils will also grant full planning permission for a conversion.
Whether the barn can be extended as well as converted will depend on your local council’s policies, but the planners may restrict extensions in a sensitive location (an area of outstanding natural beauty, open countryside or the green belt, for example) or if they thought the additions would harm the rural character and appearance of the barn and the wider area.
Once a building is demolished, you have no automatic right to rebuild it – it is almost as if it were never there. Any new structure in the barn’s place would require planning permission.
The council has indicated that it would not support any extensions to the barn, so you need to work out whether they are right and planning permission is not likely to be granted, or whether it might be possible to persuade them or to get permission by applying and then appealing any refusal.
Ask them for a clear explanation as to why they will not support an extension, and check the planning policies that they refer to. Look up their planning application database to see if any other barns have been both converted and extended in the area. Finally, consider taking advice from a planning consultant on your chances of a successful application or appeal.
Best of luck with your project plans,
Martin Gaine (Build It’s planning expert)