It is fast approaching that time of year when planning projects come to the fore-front of many landowner’s agendas, often between the busy spring livestock enterprises and prior to arable harvests.

Now more than ever, with the recovery from the Covid-19 crisis and planning for income streams in a post ‘Brexit’ world, it is time to undertake a critical appraisal of property assets, and alternative uses of traditional buildings for diversified income streams, or release of 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 have had a number of notable successes with securing planning permission on traditional barns or redundant buildings in the last couple of years for both residential and commercial use”.

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”.

Commenting on the current Covid-19 crisis Stuart added “Whilst the Covid-19 has affected the validation and progression of some planning applications with Local Authorities the majority of Local Authorities in England and Wales are still very much now ‘business as usual’ with processing applications”.

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 (England only). 

Not only does the team handle barn conversions, but also a full range of rural planning services, the full suite of services can be reviewed on our website . 

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