Acorus were commissioned by a long term client to look at options with a site he had recently bought with planning permission and Class Q Permitted Development. Having done other sites with the same client, the key issue was to make the schemes more workable and attractive to buyers.
Acorus undertook an initial appraisal of the two key structures. The first one, a large grain store with a Class Q permission for one dwelling, was too large for a single dwelling, so a scheme removing the central section was suggested and a fall back planning application to create two smaller detached was proposed. The second building already had a planning permission, but needed some design changes. The other aspect that was missing on site was garaging and the outside space was not ideal. Therefore separate applications were put together, including for the provision of separate garaging. Both applications were approved by the LPA and the buildings now wonderfully converted to a high specification. So much so, it was wonderful to hear that the five-bedroom barn conversion has recently been bought by celebrity star Gemma Collins as her new home. Originally, a basic machinery store connected to an old farmstead, this conversion makes use of the vast space you can get with these types of agricultural buildings, offering strong architectural features, which is a great accessory to a luxury lifestyle.
The rural economy has and will continue to change. Diversification of land and buildings can facilitate business expansion providing sustainable alternative income whilst maximising property assets. There may be buildings that have outlived their farming/rural usefulness. Some of these structures may be too derelict or too small to offer scope for re-use, whereas others may be structurally sound, or made so easily, and offer greater potential for conversion.
We may not always be designing properties for the stars, but there’s no reason why we can’t help you to produce your idea of heaven. For more information on Class Q Permitted Development Rights, please click here. Otherwise, if you have a proposal you would like to discuss, please contact us here.
