Farmers and landowners will now be able to convert agricultural buildings into a higher number of dwellings, rising from:- 5 to 10, and of a greater size of up to:- 1,000sqm (previously 500sqm).

Buildings can also be more flexibly re-used for other commercial uses, with an inclusion of change of use, to use Class F2 (outdoor sport and recreation) and Class B2 (general industrial for processing of raw goods that are produced on site).

But Class Q permitted development rights won’t be expanded to National Parks and Landscapes, which the CLA argues will hold back rural communities in such designated landscapes.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Deputy President Gavin Lane said:- “The CLA has long argued for permitted development rights to be extended, to grow the rural economy. We welcome the news that farmers and landowners will now be able to convert agricultural buildings into a higher number of dwellings, of a greater size, and that buildings can be more flexibly re-used for other commercial uses, boosting diversification. There is a chronic lack of rural housing and without it, the sustainability and vibrancy of communities up and down the country is under threat. But it is bitterly disappointing to see Class Q permitted development rights won’t be expanded to National Parks and Landscapes. A recent CLA survey found that more than half of our members living in Protected Landscapes wish to convert existing and redundant agricultural buildings that no longer serve their intended purpose, but under current planning rules and restrictions, they cannot. Allowing the use of Class Q within these areas would enable much needed development and help stimulate growth in the rural economy. So many enterprises in rural areas could grow, could create jobs, could expand into new markets, but are being stifled by an archaic planning regime that seems almost designed to restrict our ambition. The rural economy is 19% less productive than the national average; closing that gap could add £43bn to UK GVA.”