The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities have just opened a consultation on proposed changes to Permitted Development Rights which would expand rights that allow agricultural diversification and development on agricultural units.
Part 3 Class Q allows for the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential dwellings. The proposed changes would include:
- Increasing the size limit from 865sqm to 1,000sqm.
- Increasing the maximum number of dwellings from 5 to 10.
- Introducing a maximum dwelling size of either 100sqm or 150sqm, reduced from 465sqm.
- Allowing for 4m rear extensions during the change of use.
- Enabling Class Q to apply in Conservation Areas, AONBs, National Parks and The Broads.
- Enabling Class Q to apply to buildings on agricultural units that may have not been used solely for agriculture.
- Enabling Class Q to apply to former agricultural buildings no longer on an established agricultural unit.
- Requiring existing access to the public highway.
Part 3 Class R allows for the change of use of agricultural buildings to flexible commercial uses. The proposed changes would include:
- Expanding the change of use to outdoor sports, recreation or fitness.
- Enabling the change of use to mixed uses.
- Increasing the size limit from 500sqm to 1,000sqm
Part 6 Class A allows for, amongst other things, erection of agricultural buildings. The proposed changes would include:
- Increasing the size limit from 1,000sqm to 1,500sqm.
The DLUHC are also consulting on additional Permitted Development Rights to allow for the change of use of other rural uses (forestry and equestrian etc.) to residential dwellings.
Ross Mayger