Planning rules allowing farmers to convert unused buildings into homes and shops take effect

The government has extended the use of permitted development rights, allowing farmers to more easily convert agricultural buildings and land into housing and shops.

The rules, which came into effect today, mean unused buildings can be   repurpose without the need to submit a planning application.

The government said this will give farmers “greater freedoms to diversify and grow their business” and turn their land into “new lucrative business opportunities”, such as outdoor sports facilities, larger farm shops, farm training centres, as well as housing.

The rules are subject to space and natural light conditions, to ensure homes are suitable.

According to the government, the expansion of permitted development rights to farmers will help “turbocharge rural housing development”.

Between April 2014 and March 2023, around 5,000 homes have been built on farming land through the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential properties under permitted development rights.

The changes will double the amount of floorspace that can be changed from agricultural to ‘flexible commercial use’ from 500 square metres (sqm) to 1,000 sqm.

They will also double the number of homes that can be delivered through the conversion of agricultural buildings from five to 10.

Furthermore, the rules will increase the maximum size allowed for new buildings or extensions on farms over five hectares from 1,000 sqm to 1,500 sqm. For smaller farms, the maximum size of developments can increase from 1,000 sqm to 1,250 sqm.

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Minister for housing, planning and building safety, Lee Rowley, said: “Farmers are the lifeblood of communities, and these changes give them the freedom to grow their businesses, and plan for their futures.”

Rowley added: “This is all part of our long-term plan for housing to deliver more homes for rural communities and reform the planning system, removing unnecessary barriers to development.”

Farming minister, Mark Spencer, said: “I am extremely pleased to support our farmers and provide them the freedom to decide the best uses for buildings on their land, without needless bureaucracy holding them back.”