There is a so-called permitted development (PD) right to convert agricultural buildings to residential use that applies outside conservation areas, national parks, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). To qualify, the barn needs to have been in agricultural use on 20th March 2013 and must not exceed 450m2 (including any other buildings to be converted). You have to apply to the council for a determination as to whether they want to look in detail at the transport and highways impacts of the conversion; noise implications, contamination and flood risks, whether the location and siting are practical and the design and external appearance appropriate.

One point you will need to check is whether the structure was erected under agricultural PD rights. If so, those rights require a building to be demolished if, within 10 years from its construction, it’s no longer needed for agriculture. If the building had the benefit of planning permission, then check for conditions that might similarly require demolition if redundancy occurs within 10 years.

Mike Dade (Build It expert)