Work with a designer with an imaginative eye, and a commercial or rural building may be just what you need to get your bespoke house project underway, as this collection of inspiring schemes curated by Jane Crittenden shows
This property in Devon dates back to 1810. Separate from the other farm buildings, it had no road access or connection to services. Some walls had fallen down and others were overgrown, so the conversion has brought it back to life. The new house is designed within the reconstructed shell and is now hooked up to an air source heat pump. Douglas fir rafters and milled aluminium corrugated sheeting form the roof in order to reference traditional barns.
QUICK GUIDE PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING PERMISSION
What type of buildings can be converted into residential homes?
Previously, the government allowed only agricultural buildings, shops and offices to be converted into residential properties. In August 2021, in a review of buildings and their uses, a wider range of high street commercial, business and service buildings were added to the selection of projects that are allowed under permitted development rights (without formal planning permission). This gives homeowners greater opportunities to convert shops, offices, banks, gyms, restaurants, clinics and more, subject to prior approval from the council. Essentially, this is a less onerous process than when seeking full planning consent. This is because the principle of the change has already been accepted through the new law.
What is the prior approval process?
Conversions need to address various issues before work can begin. Buildings in a flood area need to be assessed and appropriate mitigation strategies proposed. Transport and safe access should be provided. Plus, buildings with a history of industrial use need evidence that contamination is not a health risk to future residents. It also should be demonstrated that adequate light can be channelled to all habitable rooms.
When would planning permission still apply?
If you want to make physical changes to the outside of the property, such as adding doors and windows, then you will probably need to do a formal planning application. It’s worth noting that councils can restrict permitted development in specific or whole areas.