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New Permitted Development Rights (PDR) now allow unused buildings to be converted into homes, shops, cafes, sports facilities and a range of other commercial uses without the need for a planning application.
The new rules came into force this week and form part of the government’s “long-term housing plan” announced last July.
Government figures show that only 5,000 homes have been built on farmland since April 2014, and the proposals aim to increase both housing numbers and employment opportunities.
Aidan van de Wyer, senior planner at Lampros in Cambridge, said: “These reforms are very welcome as they will bring further flexibility to the use of rural buildings.”
“By attracting new residents and supporting local businesses, we will transform rural buildings currently unsuitable for modern agricultural activities and support the long-term vitality of rural communities.”
“We are already discussing with our clients what opportunities these changes present. For example, one agricultural client has a currently disused barn building that falls within their permitted development and is keen to develop proposals to take advantage of this regulatory change.”
Additionally, farms can now increase the number and size of buildings on their property without the need for a planning application. The size limit for new farm buildings constructed under agricultural development PD rights on farms larger than 5 hectares increases by 500 sqm to 1,500 sqm, and for farms less than 5 hectares it increases by 250 sqm to 1,250 sqm Become.
The expansion allowance may also be increased to 25% (from 20%) without the need for prior approval.