‘Class Q’ consent is not the same as traditional planning permission

Agricultural buildings can be converted to dwellings under the Class Q procedure. Other the fact that the Class Q Permitted Development procedure allows building(s) to be converted to one or more dwellings, the nature of the permission is different.

1. A Class Q ‘consent’ is Permitted Development and ONLY allowed IF it complies with the various criteria and rules set out in the Regulations (General Permitted Development Order (GPDO).

   
   

2. The building must be capable of functioning as a dwelling without significant structural rebuilding.

   
   

3. The building works are ONLY permitted if they follow the design and sizes shown in the submitted documents. If there is any deviation from that, the building may not any longer be permitted development.

   
   

4. The work must be completed WITHIN 3 years of the decision. Usually, a full ‘normal’ planning permission must be commenced within 3 years of the decision.

   
   

5. It is subject to a prior approval process, meaning local planning authorities (LPAs) can assess certain impacts like transport, flooding, noise, and design.

   
   

6. Further Development May Need Full Planning Permission. So, any extensions, alterations, or changes beyond the Class Q framework require a full planning application.

   
   

7. A building or site can lose its Class Q Right if the landowner undertakes other building work under his Permitted Development Rights before the Class Q conversion is commenced - such as the building of a replacement barn.