Class Q Barn Conversion to Residential Use, Mersea Island, Essex

We were asked to explore the development opportunities of a landholding in rural Essex. The site contained a 20th Century barn of steel construction and metal cladding. Ordinarily the conversion of this type of barn would not have been acceptable as it would not have met local planning policy.

We advised that the change of use of this barn to a residential dwelling could be secured through the Class Q prior notification process. The Class Q change of use process provides an excellent opportunity to secure a residential use when normal planning policies may otherwise be restrictive, thereby adding value to the site.

The Class Q change of use process contains several criteria that need to be met. We put together a team of specialist consultants to demonstrate that this set of criteria could be met. The application was subsequently approved.