Now more than ever, it is time to undertake a critical appraisal of agricultural property assets on farms & estates and consider alternative uses of rural buildings for diversifying income streams, or disposals for releasing capital for reinvestment.

The conversion of traditional buildings, especially redundant barns, has been a constant element within the wide scope of rural planning work undertaken by the Powells Planning & Development team for landowning clients.

Stuart Leaver, Head of Planning at Powells comments “we possess a very strong track record of notable successes with securing planning permission upon the repurposing of traditional barns or redundant buildings for both alternative residential and commercial uses”.

Stuart also adds “our team is vastly experienced in securing planning applications for conversion of traditional rural barns to residential dwellings and holiday/commercial accommodation, however we can also provide the holistic advice up front on all aspects of the overall strategy including marketing/letting, valuations and advice on the capital taxation consequences of converting any buildings”.

Regarding the ability to progress a planning project Stuart commented “Bat surveys tend to dictate the barn conversion project season for us. Surveys tend to be undertaken from late May until late August before the window of opportunity closes again for another season. We would therefore encourage those interested in progressing any planning project to contact us to confidentially talk through your project aspirations as soon as possible”.

The Powells team advise on all aspects of rural planning & development projects in both England and Wales with experience in securing planning consents for clients both under full planning as well as through permitted development Class Q & Class R (England only). 

Not only does the team handle the repurposing of rural buildings, however, also provide an extensive suite of rural planning & development services, which are available to review on the Powells Planning Services website sector page.

If you would like to confidentially discuss any potential planning or development projects with our professional and approachable planning team, please do contact Powells on 01600 714140 or [email protected]