One of the specialisms of Sheldon Bosley Knight’s planning and architecture team is Class Q developments.
WHAT IS A CLASS Q?
Class Q permitted development allows for the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential dwellings. It allows for the use of the existing structure, without having to apply for full planning permission.
Class Q applications have a deadline of 56 days for a decision. If the local authority has not made a decision in that time, the application can receive deemed consent.
On May 21, 2024 a new iteration of the Class Q Permitted Development (agricultural buildings to residential dwellings) was introduced.
Whilst the changes came into effect on May 21, 2024, the government also confirmed a 12-month transition period, during which time the outgoing Class Q system can still be used.
Old Class Q mechanism
Class Q can be used to create up to five new homes, with up to 825 sqm of floor space total on one agricultural holding.
The maximum dwelling size is 465 sqm and a mix of larger (>100 sqm) and smaller (<100 sqm) dwellings are allowed. Therefore, to have five dwellings under Class Q and use the entirety of the allowance, a mix of one 465 sqm dwelling and four 100 sqm dwellings will be created.
The building(s) must have been used solely for agricultural use since March 20, 2013 and must be structurally sound.
New Class Q mechanism
Class Q can be used to create up to 10 new homes, with up to 1,000 sqm of floorspace on one holding. However, the maximum size of any new accommodation is now 150 sqm. Therefore, to have 10 new homes under Class Q, each one will need to be 100 sqm each.
An applicant will be able to extend to the back of the barn or agricultural building by up to 4m on any hard surface which was present on or before July 24, 2023.
WHAT IS A CLASS Q REPLACEMENT?
Once a Class Q application has been approved, it is possible to apply to replace the consented unit(s) with a new residential dwelling(s).
This can enable you to create a new residential dwelling(s) in a location where it would not be possible under the traditional planning process.
The key is the proposed scheme must be ‘better’ than the Class Q scheme it is replacing. This can be achieved in a number of ways including better design and/or incorporating renewable energy resources.
If you have been considering applying under the outgoing system and still think it would be more beneficial to your needs, please get in contact so we can ensure your application is submitted and determined before May 21st, 2025 to take advantage of this reprieve.
Contact our team
Class Q eligibility checker
