Permitted development rights
The Government has announced proposals to relax planning regulations to allow both change of use of redundant farm buildings to other business uses and for conversion of commercial buildings to residential.
Andrew Bays of BCM
The detailed regulations are yet to be published but agricultural buildings up to a specific size could be converted to business uses such as shops, restaurants, small hotels, leisure facilities and offices. It is to be noted the list of uses excludes residential use.
However, the Government has also announced they will allow change of use from office to residential under permitted development rights although initially this time will be limited to three years.
Andrew Bays of BCM, specialists in rural property operating throughout Southern England, comments: “These are extremely welcome changes to the planning legislation with the Government clearly signalling its intention to streamline the process. The impact of these two measures will be significant in rural areas and all farmers and landowners are encouraged to consider carefully the ramifications of this announcement. The detailed regulations are yet to be published, but it is noted the Government have already stated the permitted development right only refers to the use of the buildings”.
“There will be a host of other issues to consider including local designations (conservation areas, national parks etc) and the fact that material alterations to the outside of properties may still need planning permission.
Notwithstanding these potential complications, we still feel the inclusion of these under the permitted development mechanism will provide a much needed shot in the arm for those considering converting redundant farm buildings or those with empty rural buildings to let”.
