Over the last 20 years or so, the appetite for domestic barn conversions has risen sharply. It has further accelerated in recent times, partly due to changes to permitted development (PD) rights and the introduction of Class Q conversions. Where there was once resistance from local planning authorities, architects are now finding more understanding and encouragement to retain these stunning spaces and convert them for residential purposes.
What is Class Q?
It’s a very straightforward route to creating a home in terms of planning, as you just need to submit simple drawings. But there are very stringent design implications – you have to retain the existing external envelope, conform rigorously to the structural integrity of the barn, and adhere more strictly to regulations set out by the highways commission, contamination risk, flood defences, etc. You’re also far more limited on garden amenity.