WELCOMED CHANGES TO PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS

Welcomed Changes to Permitted Development Rights

Rory Baker

Rory Baker

May, 13 2024

Following last summer’s consultation on national permitted development rights, the Government has amended the legislation for Class Q and Class R, Part 3, and Classes A and B, Part 6, Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order, taking effect on 21 May 2024.

We discussed the expected changes at some length at the Planning Your Priorities seminars, which Ceres Group hosted earlier in the year. As we said then, this amendment represents significant positive change.

At a top level, the changes see:

An increase in the total floorspace and number of new dwellings that can be created with a change of use from agriculture to residential under Class Q.
Under Class R, an increase in flexible commercial floorspace that can be created with a change of use from agriculture to either Class B8 (storage and distribution), Class C1 (hotels) or Class E (commercial, business or service), and now also Class B2 (general industrial), Class F.2 (c) (outdoor sport or recreation) and the provision of agricultural training.
An increase in the size of new agricultural development that can be created and/or extended under the new legislation for Classes A and B of Part 6, Schedule 2.
Looking deeper into these changes, the most important notes for the relevant Classes are below.

Class Q (Part 3):

The maximum number of residential dwellings created has increased from 5 to 10.
The maximum limit of space that can be converted has been increased from 865 sqm to 1,000 sqm.
The maximum size of any new dwelling created is 150 sqm.
A greater number of agricultural buildings now qualify for Class Q, including barns that are no longer used for agricultural purposes.
You can now extend to the rear of the barn or agricultural building by up to 4m on any hard surface which was present on or before 24th July 2023 or if it didn’t exist on that date has existed for at least 10 years.
Class R (Part 3):

The maximum amount of space that can be converted has been increased from 500 sqm to 1,000 sqm.
The range of commercial uses has extended to Class B2, Class F.2 and agricultural training.
Class A (Part 6):

The maximum limit of new agricultural floorspace that can be created has been increased from 1,000 sqm to 1,500 sqm.
Class B (Part 6):

Buildings can now be extended by 25% instead of 20% and the limit has been raised to 1,250 sqm.
Permitted development has long been a quicker and more efficient route through the planning system to gain approval for simple forms of development. Thus, expanding its reach is a highly encouraging move from the Government, honouring its promise of greater support for rural diversification and commercial enterprises for farmers, landowners and developers. The changes will afford greater opportunities to maximise the value of land, buildings and assets through more flexible residential, commercial and agricultural led permitted development rights.

Should you have any queries regarding these changes, or wish to seek help on your development or diversification project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team.

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