Class Q prior approval scheme

The Class Q prior approval scheme is a part of the United Kingdom's planning regulations that allows the conversion of agricultural buildings into residential dwellings without the need for full planning permission. This scheme falls under the permitted development rights, specifically under Part 3, Class Q of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

The scheme aims to facilitate the reuse of redundant or underused agricultural buildings, promoting rural housing and reducing the pressure to build new homes on greenfield sites.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The building must have been used solely for agricultural purposes on or before 20th March 2013.
• The total floorspace for conversion must not exceed 465 square meters.
• The building must be structurally sound and capable of conversion without significant structural alterations.

Limitations:

• The development cannot extend beyond the existing external dimensions of the building.
• No more than 3 dwellings can be created from a single agricultural unit if the cumulative floorspace exceeds 100 square meters; otherwise, up to 5 smaller dwellings are permitted.
• Certain locations are excluded, such as sites within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks, or conservation areas.

Prior Approval Process:

• Even though full planning permission is not required, developers must apply for prior approval from the local planning authority (LPA).
• The LPA assesses various factors including the transport and highways impact, noise impact, contamination risks, flooding risks, and whether the location or siting makes the building impractical or undesirable for residential use.
• Structural integrity and the design and external appearance of the building are also considered.

Application:

• An application for prior approval should include detailed plans and supporting documents demonstrating compliance with Class Q conditions.
• The LPA has a 56-day period to make a decision. If no decision is made within this time frame, the development can proceed by default.

Benefits:

• Facilitates the creation of new homes in rural areas without extensive bureaucratic hurdles.
• Encourages the reuse and conservation of existing buildings, preserving the rural character and reducing environmental impact.

Challenges:

• Ensuring the converted buildings are suitable for residential use without compromising structural safety.
• Balancing rural development with the preservation of natural landscapes and local ecosystems.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings.

• Alterations to existing buildings.
• Article 4 direction.
• Change of use class.
• Class Q permitted development.
• Class R prior approval scheme.
• Class S prior approval scheme.
• CLC calls for rethink of permitted development rights.
• Conservation area.
• Enforcement notice.
• Established use certificate.
• IHBC responds to supporting defence infrastructure and the future of time-limited permitted development rights.
• Lawful development certificate.
• Listed building.
• Local development order.
• National planning policy framework.
• Permitted development: The end of the high street or a blessing in disguise?
• Planning enforcement.
• Planning permission.
• Prior approval.
• Renovation.
• Section 215.
• Sui generis.
• Town and Country Planning Act.
• Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order.
• Use class.