Barn conversions threatened under new planning policy

The newly published draft document ‘Shropshire Core Strategy Final Plan’ sets out the council’s planning policies for the county for the next 16 years and according to Peter Fenwick, planning specialist with Berrys in Shrewsbury, it includes a major policy change that could affect all farmers with redundant agricultural buildings.

“Any residential barn conversion up to five dwellings could attract a financial levy of 50 per cent of the costs of construction which would be payable to the council to contribute towards affordable housing,” he said.

If the council introduce this, it could significantly reduce the value of these schemes as the developer or owner will have to take into account the 50 per cent affordable housing requirement, either in cash or provision of units for affordable housing.

“In my view, this policy could mean the end of barn conversion schemes, other than isolated buildings, as the costs of re-siting any adjoining buildings will outweigh the value of the buildings with planning,” Peter said.

The plans will be considered by a government appointed planning inspector later this year and will come under public scrutiny early next year. The policy is likely to be adopted later in 2011.

“This policy does not yet apply so farmers who have been sitting on these types of buildings should consider bringing forward any conversion proposals so that they can bank the planning permission under the old policy.

“It will be worth having your redundant barns surveyed as soon as possible to assess their suitability for conversion. Obtaining detailed planning permission now will secure the value of a barn for three years,” he added.

Berrys has extensive experience of barn conversions and planning work offering a one-stop shop with in-house architects, environmental specialists, planning consultants, business experts and landscape designers.

For details on current planning issues, or for an initial consultation, contact Berrys on 01743 271697.