Approval for Barn Conversion to Two Dwellings

Obtaining approval for the conversion of an agricultural barn to a residential dwelling under the permitted development regime is becoming increasingly difficult. The General Permitted Development Order (GDPO) provides for both the change of use of such buildings and for ‘building operations reasonably necessary to convert the building’, subject to meeting the qualifying criteria and conditions.

Whilst historically the re-skinning of a barn with new cladding was generally accepted, the consequences of the High Court ‘Hibbert’ case has given Council’s more teeth in refusing applications and in this instance the Council had previously considered that the combination of re-skinning and in-filling with cladding went beyond a conversion.

However, Tyler Parkes’ architects prepared a revised scheme to convert this Dutch barn and lean-to building into two, two-bedroomed residential dwellings, each with a private garden and parking for two vehicles. The scheme retained the existing roof cladding and blockwork and clad walls, with the infilling of openings using a combination of these finishes, alongside aluminum framed windows and doors.

Tyler Parkes’ planners provided evidence that the scheme met with the GDPO qualifying criteria and that the relevant planning matters had been satisfactorily addressed. Prior Approval was granted under delegated powers on 29th April 2022.