Permitted Development Rights Archives - Page 2 of 2

The National Farmers Union (NFU) have recently published their 2020 Farming Diversification Report and with the start of a new decade, a number of factors have made the opportunity for diversification more attractive.

The UK’s departure from the EU will result in the progressive withdrawal of CAP subsidies and the introduction of the ‘ELMS’ Environmental Land Management Scheme. This is intended to divert payments to land where the quality of environment is enhanced, for example increased biodiversity, water and soil quality or protection of historic environments.

The rise in popularity of ‘Wellness Tourism’ also provides an opportunity for diversification, as those in towns and cities turn to open countryside retreats. We recently obtained Listed Building Consent for the conversion of a Grade II listed farmstead in Longford to six holiday letting units.

The introduction of Class Q Permitted Development Rights also allow for the conversion of modern agricultural buildings. This can allow a diversified stream of income, reducing the reliance on farming activity. We have been involved in many successful Class Q conversions.

Class Q Conversion of a Steel Barn, Burton-on-Trent

Planning & Design have worked on numerous diversification schemes, a prime example being Wakebridge Farm at Crich. The farm dates from the late 18th Century and is built on the site of the former Wakebridge Manor and chapel. The proposed redevelopment involves the establishment of a sheep dairy enterprise with associated creamery, hotel, restaurant and bar. We were delighted to obtain Planning and Listed Building Consent for the full redevelopment for the farm which is a prominent feature in the landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Proposed refurbishment of the barns at Wakebridge Farm, Crich

We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including:
• Rural housing development
• Barn conversions (Both via a planning application and Class Q)
• Agricultural dwellings and occupancy conditions
• Agricultural buildings
• Equestrian development
• Farm Diversification schemes
• Tourist accommodation
• Certificates of Lawfulness
• Restoration of Listed Buildings
• Planning permission within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

If you have any questions about a rural planning project please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We recently achieved planning permission for a client who had an enforcement issue regarding a garden building they had built. The building comprised of a workshop and a small living space with an en-suite and kitchenette, which was positioned on the western boundary with their neighbour. Normally a modestly sized garden building like this would fall under Permitted Development Rights, however what the client had overlooked was that the erection of such structures is only allowed under permitted Development Rights so long as any part of the building is not cited within 2 metres of the neighbouring properties curtilage.

In order to deal with the enforcement case that had been raised by the neighbour, we prepared and submitted a planning statement. Our argument highlighted the fact that whilst the development sits in close proximity to the adjacent curtilage boundary, by virtue of the buildings layout, height and scale any impact of the building on the amenity of the neighbours was acceptable.

Permitted Development Rights give homeowners a lot of flexibility to alter, enlarge and improve their properties and the land that falls within their curtilage, but it is always worth getting a professional opinion to ensure your development meets all the criteria. Whilst we were able to achieve permission in this instance, it is worth noting that ultimately a Planning Authority have got the power to enforce against any development that contravenes the criteria of Permitted Development, which could ultimately mean demolition!

With offices in Derby and Sheffield we have extensive knowledge about the policies and procedures of individual councils and the approach taken by planning officers and Councillors. Our aim is always to achieve permissions that meets the client brief with a permission that will deliver development.

At the start of any case we will provide an honest assessment of the likelihood of getting planning permission and we will only pursue applications where there is a reasonable chance of success either through the council or via an appeal.

For more information on Permitted Development Rights, securing planning permission or to discuss a specific project please contact us.

Farming diversification for the new decade

Planning Permission and Permitted Development Rights

Offices

Services

Useful Links

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

GET IN TOUCH