Barn conversion allowed on appeal in Lancaster

Steven Abbott Associates LLP has won an appeal which secures the change of use of a field barn into a single dwelling house in Yealand Conyers, Lancaster.

The Council refused an application for prior approval required in relation to the matters listed in Class Q of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (GPDO).  The Council indicated that due to internal works being carried out on the building, the agricultural use had been abandoned and therefore the proposal would not accord with Class Q.

When considering the case and evidence for the appeal the Planning Inspector concluded that the building had not been used for any other use other than agriculture and that the works carried out on the building did not conflict with Class Q rights.

Alastair Skelton, Partner at Steven Abbott Associates LLP, said:

“The Class Q permitted development provisions were introduced by the Government to positively encourage the use of redundant farm buildings as dwellings, and it was disappointing that the initial local decision did not follow the spirit of those provisions.  Ultimately the Inspector has fully recognised the suitability of the proposed change of use and allowed the appeal.

We are delighted with the result of this appeal which will retain and transform a redundant traditional field barn into an attractive dwelling, and will hopefully encourage the Council to take a more positive approach to similar cases.”

The full decision can be read by clicking here.

For further information on Steven Abbott Associates LLP's expert team and the services provided please contact us on 01257 251177 or via email.

(February 2017)