Changes to Class R Agricultural Buildings From 21 May 2024
New Opportunities for Rural Businesses: Planning Changes to Agricultural Building Use
Recent amendments to Class R of the General Permitted Development Order offer exciting possibilities for those looking to repurpose agricultural buildings.
These changes come into effect from 21 May 2024 !!!
Broadened Planning Use Options for Repurposed Agricultural Buildings
The changes significantly expand the scope of permitted use for converted agricultural buildings. Previously limited options have been replaced with a wider range, including:
General industrial (with specific limitations)
Storage or distribution (already permitted)
Hotels (already permitted)
Commercial, business, or service uses
Outdoor sport or recreation facilities
The amendments also provide greater flexibility by doubling the maximum permitted floor area to 1,000 square meters.
In addition, conversions for agricultural training facilities are now considered permitted development, streamlining the process for establishing valuable educational resources.
Understanding the Nuances
It's important to note that specific conditions apply, particularly for general industrial use (Class B2). Conversions for this class are only allowed for processing a limited range of raw materials.
Unlocking the Potential Conversion of Agricultural Buildings
These changes present a significant opportunity to unlock the potential of underutilized agricultural buildings. Increased income streams, job creation, and a boost to the rural economy are all on the horizon.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
At A D P, we're passionate about supporting rural businesses. We can guide you through the planning process, ensure your project meets all requirements, and help you maximise the benefits of these new regulations.
Contact us today at mail@adpltd.co.uk or by using the form to discuss how we can turn your vision into a reality!
Legislation
Amendment of Class R of Part 3
4.—(1) Class R (agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use) of Part 3 (changes of use) is amended as follows.
(2) For paragraph R (permitted development) substitute—
“Permitted development
R. Development consisting of a change of use of a building and any land within its curtilage from a use as an agricultural building to a flexible use—
(a)falling within one of the following provisions of the Use Classes Order—
(i)Class B2 (general industrial) of Schedule 1;
(ii)Class B8 (storage or distribution) of Schedule1;
(iii)Class C1 (hotels) of Schedule 1;
(iv)Class E (commercial, business or service) of Schedule 2; or
(v)Class F.2(c) (outdoor sport or recreation) of Schedule 2; or
(b)for the provision of agricultural training.”.
(3) In paragraph R.1 (development not permitted), in sub-paragraph (b), for “500 square metres” substitute “1,000 square metres”.
(4) In paragraph R.2 (conditions), at the end of sub-paragraph (c) insert— “;
(d)where the site is to be used for general industrial purposes within Class B2, it must only be used for the processing of—
(i)raw goods, excluding livestock, which are produced on the site and are to be sold on the site, or
(ii)raw goods mentioned in paragraph (i) together with goods ancillary to the processing of those raw goods”.
Other Prior Approval Planning Applications
You maybe interested in some of the other key permitted development change of use allowances:
Class G – Commercial, business and service or betting office or pay day loan shop to mixed use, incorporating residential uses
Class H – Mixed use to commercial, business and service or betting office or pay day loan shop
Class L – Small HMOs to dwellinghouses and vice versa
Class M – Various uses, such as, launderette, betting office, payday loan shop, hot food takeaway to dwellings
Class MA – Class E commercial, business and service uses to dwellings
Class N – Sui Generis casino or amusement arcade to dwellings
Class Q – Agricultural buildings to dwellings
Recent Change of Use Projects
Contact our planners to discuss your Class Q change of use project
If you have an agricultural building, A D P can assist you with your Class Q Prior Approval application.
Please contact us via mail@adpltd.co.uk or use the form below:
