Barn conversion with upward extension to create stunning 4-bed residential dwelling in rural Uttlesford

Our strategic planning approach has enabled our client to secure permission for a stunning barn conversion and upwards extension, providing 4 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, kitchen, living space and a home office and playroom.

Planning for a barn conversion with an extension

Our client was seeking to put a redundant and dilapidated building to good use.  However, given the scope of works required and the rural nature of the site, situated outside the settlement boundary and in open countryside, we suggested that an incremental approach to securing planning would be the best strategy in this case.

As a first stage, we sought to secure the principle of residential conversion on site.  We explored the potential for the conversion under Class Q, identified this was not applicable in this case, and then proceeded with a planning application for a conversion of the barn to residential use. This then provided us with a viable fallback option for residential development.

In regard to the barn extension, it required an additional floor to provide further living space, moving the bedrooms upstairs and enabling the creation of a home office and children’s playroom, spaces which have become increasingly needed and valued in light of the ongoing pandemic.

Working with the design and project team, we presented key planning considerations to support the proposed design changes.  And despite its rural context, we made a strong case for the viability of the scheme, including:

• justifying how the proposals would enhance local context through sensitive conservation, providing visual enhancement akin to the countryside setting;
• evidencing the sustainable qualities of the site and proposals in a social, environmental, and economic context;
• analysing policy to show how the scheme responded positively to local and national requirements, and would not cause any adverse impacts which would outweigh the benefits of the scheme;
• evidencing how the conversion and extension of the barn would make the most efficient use of the site, would revitalise a redundant building into a viable use, would provide ecological enhancements, and provide suitable access to services and facilities.

Uttlesford’s housing land supply issue – how sustainable development outside the settlement boundary can help

Furthermore, as Uttlesford can only demonstrate a 2.68-year housing land supply position and the adopted local plan is based on a time expired strategy, the policies relating to the supply of housing could therefore be seen as out of date. We evidenced how the proposal recognised the need to allow applications for sustainable development outside development limits to meet housing needs.

This is a view we have seen emerging in a number of recent projects that we have worked on in Uttlesford, with a case being made for small scale, carefully considered, sustainable development finding its place outside the settlement boundary.  We feel this is partly in response to Uttlesford’s sustained, long term issues surrounding housing land supply, and whilst it is true that a single dwelling on its own doesn’t make significant inroads to their housing shortfall, however, smaller sites are easier to implement and build out and therefore such minor development supports incremental growth at a manageable level which cumulatively will affect positive change and causes less of an impact in sensitive locations.

The LPA approved the application without delay, and we are so glad that through our careful planning strategy, our client will be able to realise their development aspirations on site, turning a defunct barn into a stunning 4-bed home, to the benefit of the surrounding context.

How a planning consultant can help with your next development project

We work extensively in the Uttlesford area, giving us a nuanced understanding of their policy position.  They have recently launched a call for sites exercise, and you can read  more about Uttlesford’s recent call for sites here.  If you are seeking planning consultant support for a development project in this area then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk or call us on 01242 501003 to see how we can best assist you, providing the site address and a brief overview of your project. We value your privacy and any information which you provide will not be shared outside of our company and will only be used in relation to your enquiry.