Widely seen as a response to Jeremy Clarkson's well-documented difficulties in obtaining permission for his farm shop and restaurant, the 'Clarkson's Clause' will make it simpler for farmers and owners of agricultural properties to convert buildings into shops and residential homes. 

Claire Quick, Kivells Rural Chartered Surveyor, has delved into the revised Class Q and Class R PD Rights, exploring how they can facilitate the conversion of these buildings into homes or commercial spaces. 

The new Class Q: Conversion of agricultural buildings to dwelling houses

• The clock has reset and if your barn was existing on or before 24th July 2023 it qualifies for Class Q 

• The requirement for the building to be in agricultural use has been lifted, former agricultural buildings now qualify 

• The limit of new dwellings to be created per agricultural unit has increased to 10 

• The amount of floor space you can convert has increased to 1,000m2 

• The maximum floor space per dwelling has been limited to 150m2 

• Single storey extensions of up to 4m to the rear of the building are allowed on any hard surface which was present on or before 24th July 2023 

• The building must have a suitable existing access to the public highway 

The same limitations apply in that the building must be capable of conversion and meet all the requirements, including not being located within an AONB or on a listed building and you must not have used your permitted development rights to erect an agricultural building within the last ten years. 

Revised Class R: Conversion of agricultural buildings to commercial 

The range of commercial purposes for which agricultural buildings can be used for has expanded to include general industrial for raw goods to be sold on site, hotels, commercial, business or service and outdoor or recreation and the cumulative floor space has also increased from 500m2 to 1000m2. 

Agricultural Buildings 

The cumulative area for agricultural buildings has increased to 1,500m2, with no more than 1000m2 to be used for livestock housing. 

If you have any exciting projects in mind, or would like further information, please get in touch with your local Kivells professional services team today for expert advice.