Class Q, R & MA – Unlocking Development Potential from Agricultural and Commercial Buildings
Expert planning advice and prior approval guidance to convert farm or commercial buildings into high-quality homes or alternative uses, maximising your site’s potential with a clear, efficient strategy.
Unlocking value in redundant or under-used Farm Buildings
At Fytche‑Taylor Planning, we specialise in guiding landowners and developers through the complexities of Class Q permitted development, turning redundant agricultural buildings into high-quality homes or commercial units.
What Is Class Q / Class R / Class MA?
Class Q allows agricultural buildings to be converted into homes (residential use).
Class R permits change of use from agricultural to commercial (such as offices or storage).
Class MA enables the conversion of commercial buildings into residential dwellings.
Since changes came into force in May 2024, the regulatory regime has expanded significantly — allowing for more flexibility, different building sizes, and up to 10 dwellings or 1,000 m² of floor space under Class Q.
Case Study: Revitalising Manor Farm, Spalford
Sensitive barn conversions and bespoke new homes
Fytche-Taylor Planning transformed Manor Farm, Spalford, securing full permission for two historic barn conversions, Class Q consent for five modern barn dwellings, and planning for five architect-designed new homes. Our coordinated planning, design and technical expertise revitalised the farmstead, enhancing the rural landscape while delivering a well-planned, multi-phase residential development. See how we did it...
Why Class Q Matters for Landowners and Developers
Rural diversification: Create new homes from existing farm structures and maximise the development potential of your land.
Cost‑efficient development: Take advantage of permitted development rights to avoid full planning applications.
Design flexibility: Through Class Q and fallback strategies, you can either convert or even replace buildings, depending on your long-term vision.
Strong expertise: Our team has an exceptional track record in navigating Class Q (and R/MA) applications to get positive outcomes.
How We Help You
We offer full end-to-end support, combining planning consultancy with architectural design and technical expertise. Our services include:
Advising on the latest Class Q regulations, including the recent legislative amendments
Assessing building eligibility, structural integrity, and realistic conversion potential
Preparing and submitting prior approval applications for Class Q or R
Exploring and articulating fallback positions (e.g., using Class Q consent to justify a new-build)
Coordinating specialist technical reports (ecology, flood risk, structural, etc.)
Providing architectural design that respects rural character and efficiency
Class MA Nettleton - Approval for three countryside homes on the outskirts of Lincolnshire Wolds
Class R Billinghay - turning Agri sheds into valuable and marketable commercial space.
Class Q Sturton by Stow: Plans approved to turn barn into a huge new home.
Class Q Fallback Opportunity - Key Considerations Under the New Rules
If you have had a ‘Class Q’ conversion approved (or Class MA Commercial to Residential) – do you know about the 'fallback opportunity’ too?
The recent shake-up in planning rules, which many are dubbing the ‘Clarkson Clause’ in honour of Diddly Squat’s triumphant owner, mean that the opportunities for converting agricultural buildings for residential or commercial use has never been better.
Size limits: Each dwelling is capped at 150 m², and total floor area under Class Q cannot exceed 1,000 m².
Extensions: Single-storey rear extensions of up to 4 m are now allowed, subject to conditions and existing hardstanding.
Building eligibility: Structures erected before July 2023 may now qualify, even if they are no longer part of a functioning farm.
Design: Any conversions must preserve character; new openings should reflect agricultural features and external materials should be sympathetic.
Prior approval: Even though full planning might not be required, a prior approval application must be submitted and assessed by the Local Planning Authority.
Class R – Converting Agricultural Buildings to Residential Use
Class R permits certain agricultural buildings to be converted into residential dwellings under permitted development rights, offering a streamlined route to create new homes without full planning applications.
Fytche‑Taylor Planning provides expert guidance throughout the process, including:
Assessing building eligibility and structural suitability
Preparing prior approval submissions to local planning authorities
Advising on design, character retention, and compliance with regulations
Coordinating specialist surveys such as ecology, flood risk, and arboriculture
Our team helps landowners and developers unlock the potential of underused farm buildings, delivering sensitive, well-planned residential conversions that enhance rural settings while complying with Class R regulations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "An outstanding level of knowledge"
"Very impressive level of knowledge and helpful throughout. An outstanding level of knowledge and helpful in arranging everything on our behalf. These guys really work hard to listen to their clients and we would definitely recommend them. Thank you for everything you did for us" 5-star Google review - Roger & Elizabeth Wright