barn conversion already class Q complete , extension?

[Grace Robbo]

Hi everyone. I am new here and seeking some advice as I know absolutely nothing about barn conversions and extensions.

 

I am looking at purchasing a newly converted barn conversion, made from a steel frame and converted under class Q in 2023. This has been made as a residential property and has been apparently completed all correctly following all regulations and it’s change of use. 

 

The issue is, is that we need to have three bedrooms and ideally a separate lounge as it is rather open plan as we are a young family. It is only two bed. 
 

I have done some research, and it looks like you can now extend barn conversions under class Q. Now this is where I need some advice, as we would not buy this property without the prospect of extension. Can we extend this property as there is already hardstanding even though the barn has already been converted in 2023?

 

Next question, do I need full planning permission for this or how does this work? I know I am a complete newbie so I’m sorry if these questions seem very basic. Is it worth me speaking to the local authority about this?

 

Please please please can someone help me?

 

Thanks, Grace.

[Grace Robbo]

Sorry, adding in that this plot was a nursery before with poly tunnels. 
you can see lots of hard standing and structures around the barn that was converted. 

[kandgmitchell]

Well there is no permitted development for extensions to Part Q conversions so if this is complete, signed off and is in effect now a dwelling house you will need planning permission for any extension. As to whether a proposal would be approved, that may depend on the attitude to the original conversion but it'll be difficult to second guess. You could try asking the local planners but most I'm afraid try to avoid talking to the public these days.

[bob the builder 2]

Never seen this exact scenario but having done a calls Q i would say its very unlikely they will allow you to extend 

 

best option would be put in an offer subject to positive feedback on a pre planning enquiry (the planning department will do this but TBH its the same timescale as a full application)

 

 

[Grace Robbo]

6 hours ago, bob the builder 2 said:

Never seen this exact scenario but having done a calls Q i would say its very unlikely they will allow you to extend 

 

best option would be put in an offer subject to positive feedback on a pre planning enquiry (the planning department will do this but TBH its the same timescale as a full application)

 

 

Thank you for your help. What makes you think we would be unable to extend? 

[kandgmitchell]

Firstly, there is limited experience of the attitude of Council's to extending Part Q conversions. Usually getting the conversion itself can be very difficult let alone then extending it. This makes it hard to judge what the usual approach of a Council may be. Secondly there is a feeling that if a Council fought tooth and nail to prevent the conversion in the first place, it is unlikely to welcome extending it. To some extent that's what I meant about how the Council viewed the original conversion application. If you are in deepest greenbelt territory then any extension would be a hard win. On the contrary, if the Part Q conversion was simply the easiest statutory way of achieving an end and the Council were relaxed about it, even welcomed it as an additional dwelling unit in the area, an extension could be easier to get.

 

I'd start with looking at the original conversion information on the Council's planning portal to get a feeling for the planners' attitude to it. I'd then try to get an informal chat about it with a planner but as I say that could be problematical with many Councils these days. I'm afraid no one is going to be able to guarantee that building can extended until a planning application is approved. Even a formal pre-application enquiry (which as mentioned above can take as long as an application to get back) carries a rider that it doesn't bind the Council to a later decision.

 

In any of these scenarios you need a "what if" fall back position. If you really couldn't occupy the building without an extension what would you do if no extension was possible? Ask yourself that before committing.