Case Study
North Devon Barn Conversions

Prior Approval under Class Q

Our clients wanted to retire to their new home in the beautiful setting of North Devon. This case study explores how Green Planning Studio were able to add significant value to their project using both their Architectural and Planning expertise.

The Site

Our clients purchased a 21-acre plot of agricultural land with 3 barns and 3 ponds. The site was isolated and would not be considered as a “sustainable location” in planning terms, which made a planning application to convert the barns unlikely to be successful. Fortunately, the barns were more than 10 years old, structurally sound and able to support conversion, so we applied for prior approval under the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) Schedule 2, Class Q to change the use from Agriculture to C3 Dwellinghouse. We applied to convert 2 of the 3 barns under Class Q to provide a home for our clients and a separate house for them use for visiting guests.

The Design

The approved scheme was for the conversion of barns 1 and 3 as noted on the site plan. Barn 1 has two bedrooms, each with an ensuite arranged around a central open plan space containing the main living accommodation. Barn 3 is a 3-bedroom property with a large master bedroom suite on a mezzanine over part of the ground floor. The living accommodation was located to the northern end of the barn to take advantage of the views back across the valley.