Class Q Barn Conversions in North Devon - What You Need to Know!
Barn conversions are one of the more popular ways to create a unique home in the countryside, especially in North Devon where agricultural buildings are a key part of the landscape. Class Q permitted development plays a major role in making these kinds of projects possible. Since May 2025, the legislation for Class Q developments has been changed, allowing for more flexible barn conversions.
Here, we have explained what Class Q is, how it works locally in North Devon, how the new rules are different from the old, what landowners & developers should be aware of before starting a project, and how we can help.
What is Class Q?
Class Q is a type of permitted development right (a national grant of deemed planning permission) which allows certain agricultural buildings to be converted into 1 or more residential dwellings without the need for full planning consent, as long as specific criteria are met.
To summarise in simple terms, it allows:
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The change of use of agricultural barns that were part of an agricultural unit on or before 24th July 2023 into residential dwellings; the buildings do not need to have been in active agricultural use
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Up to 10 new dwellings from qualifying buildings, with a total area not exceeding 1000sqm
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No individual dwelling can exceed 150sqm in floorspace
This is subject to confirming the building is structurally sound and suitable for conversion; this can be supported by a structural report carried out by a structural engineer.
So, rather than submitting a full planning application, projects are assessed through a Prior Approval process with the local authority.
What is the Prior Approval Process?
Class Q rights require the Local Planning Authority's prior approval before work starts. The LPA's decision focuses on whether the proposed development is compliant with the Class Q criteria, conditions and limitations, which typically considers:
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Transport
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Impacts on highways
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Noise impacts
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Flood risks on site
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Design & external appearance
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Provision of adequate natural light to all habitable rooms
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Contamination risks
What You Can and Can't Do Under Class Q
Here is what you can and can't do when applying for Class Q permitted development.
You can:
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Use agricultural buildings that were part of an agricultural unit before 24th July 2023 (they do not need to have been in active use immediately before conversion)
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Convert qualifying agricultural buildings to residential use (up to 10 dwellings)
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Create multiple smaller homes, provided their individual floorspace does not exceed 150sqm
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Build single-storey extensions of up to 4 metres to the rear of the building and must sit on existing hardstanding
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Insert or replace windows, doors, external walls and roofs
You can't:
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Exceed 1000sqm total floorspace, or 150sqm per dwelling
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Make significant changes to the form of the building
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Add large extensions or new detached garages
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Add extensions to the side or principal elevation of the existing building
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Convert a building through Class Q that was never genuinely agricultural
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The building must not be a listed building, located on a scheduled monument, or in other protected locations such as conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest
How do the New Rules Differ from the Old Rules?
From the 20th May 2025, the legislation towards Class Q permitted development was amended. This amendments included a variety of different things, which we have summarized below:
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Change of use of barns that were part of an agricultural unit on or before 24th July 2023 into residential dwellings; the buildings do not need to have been in active agricultural use (old rules stated that you must be able to demonstrate that the building was in use for the purpose of agriculture on an established agricultural holding on or before 20th March 2013)
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Creation of up to 10 dwellings with a total floor area of no more than 1000sqm (old rules only allowed for up to 5 dwellings with a total floor area of no more than 465sqm)
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Single-storey extensions are now permitted
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No individual dwelling can exceed 150sqm in floorspace (old rules allowed for individual dwellings to be much larger)
How Class Q Applies in North Devon
North Devon is particularly well-suited to Class Q developments due to its rural landscape, including its farms, modern agricultural buildings and traditional barns.
The Local Authority reviews each proposal carefully to ensure it works well for both the site and the surrounding area. Some of the key local considerations in North Devon include:
1. Location & Sustainability
The council will assess:
- Access to roads
- Flood risk
- Impact on the countryside
- Accessibility to services
Highly rural / isolated barns with limited access can be more challenging to approve.
2. Design & Landscape Character
North Devon councils are particularly sensitive to:
- Materials that reflect the local vernacular and are sensitive to the surrounding area
- Traditional Devon barn forms
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Why Our Input Matters
In order to be successful with a Class Q barn conversion, it is not simply about gaining the LPA's approval... it is about creating a compliant, high-quality, liveable home that is suited to its surroundings.
At Woodward Smith Chartered Architects, we help you by:
- Reviewing your building's potential and if it is likely to qualify under Class Q
- Producing high quality architectural drawings
- Navigating the local policy
- Advising on the layout, design and structure
- Appointing relevant consultants eg. a structural engineer to confirm structural suitability
- Managing the project through the building regulations and construction stages
If you own an agricultural building and are thinking about converting it, get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help!
Existing and proposed floor plans & elevations drawn by WSCA for Class Q planning permission for the change of use of an agricultural building to a dwelling.
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Contact Us
Woodward Smith Chartered Architects
6 Tuly Street
Barnstaple
Devon
United Kingdom
EX31 1DH
