Spruce Town Planning assisted their clients secure a determination from Test Valley Borough Council that prior approval is not required for the conversion of a barn near Abbotts Ann, Andover to residential use.
The application was made under Part 3, Class Q of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (As amended). Class Q of the Order permits the change of use of agricultural buildings to residential use where certain conditions are met. The Applicant is required to make an application to the Local Authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the Authority will be required as to; (a) the highways impacts of the development, (b) noise impacts of the development, (c) contamination risks on the site, (d) flooding risks on the site, (e) whether the location building would make the change of use undesirable, and (f) the design of the building.
Spruce Town Planning assisted the client in demonstrating that the change of use would meet the requirements of the Permitted Development Order in that the building was suitable and capable of conversion to residential use. The Local Planning Authority subsequently confirmed that prior approval for the conversion was not required, meaning that the development can proceed.
The permitted development rights for the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use can help find a viable alternative use for suitably located buildings where the relevant tests are met. If you think you have a building that may qualify please do not hesitate to contact Spruce Town Planning if you would like to discuss.
