Changes have been made to Class Q of Part 3, Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) allowing permitted development rights for the conversion of buildings in agricultural units into dwellings. The changes took effect on 21 May 2024; any applications on or after 21 May are subject to the new ruling. 

Previously, Class Q was a valuable tool for landowners to convert agricultural units without the need to apply for planning permission. Now, the extension of Class Q covers former agricultural buildings that no longer form part of the agricultural unit, allowing farmers and landowners to convert remote buildings - this was previously forbidden. In cases where a building is a component of an established agricultural unit, the prerequisite that the building has been used exclusively for agricultural purposes has been eliminated. 

Furthermore, the changes now allow for the conversion which creates ten dwellings, uplifting the previous cap of five. However, there must be a maximum cumulative floor space of 1,000m². Individual houses are capped at 150m², however, to achieve the maximum delivery of ten dwellings, the square metre will be limited to 100m² due to the maximum floor limit of 1,000m². 

Moreover, external changes to dimensions are now possible too. It is now possible to increase the external dimensions by up to 20cm, whilst single-story extensions can be increased to up to 4m² beyond the rear wall of the existing building. The extension cannot, however, go over the 150m² overall limit. 

Sites that were not part of the established agricultural unit on the 24 July 2023, or became part of the unit after this date, are not permitted under Class Q until a period of at least ten years has passed.

If you have any queries or would like assistance with the changes on Class Q, contact the planning team.