Class MB - prior approvals for agricultural to residential permitted development - was introduced in April 2014. Earlier this month the government spelt out key procedure guidance which should help local authorities take a more positive stance.
Some authorities had been misinterpreting the legislation by refusing conversions on principle on sustainability grounds, for example because a conversion is on farm outside a village or where there is no public transport.
Suzanne Clear, senior NFU advisor on planning and rural affairs, said: “This is more evidence that local planning authorities have not been supporting their rural economies by dealing with prior approvals in a positive way.
“Farmers, their families and workers need places to live too and this legislation was intended to create new homes on farm using existing buildings. Hopefully by following the new guidance the number of refusals will significantly drop.”
What can you do to improve your chances?
Choose a building that is structurally capable of conversion and away from buildings housing animals, silage or chemicals.
- Choose a building which you can afford to convert and provide with electricity, gas and water and road access.
- Avoid isolated field barns and buildings no longer in agricultural use.
- Keep all proposed alterations within the building structure and only include land directly associated with the building to be converted.
- Get your paperwork right – use the standard form but be prepared to clarify issues.
- Provide clear plans.
- Get the local authority officer to meet you on farm and keep you informed of progress on your application.
- If you do get your application refused, make sure the local authority explains why and how a full planning application would be successful.