Marrons Planning acted on behalf of a private client to secure prior approval under Class Q approval in March 2022, for the change of use of an agricultural building to a single dwelling and associated operational development.

We were introduced to the client following the withdrawal of an earlier Class Q application. We contributed to a revised submission addressing points raised during the consultation process. However, the authority retained concerns relating to the agricultural use of the building, its structural capability and whether the proposed works were reasonably necessary.

Prior approval was refused and we project managed an appeal, including the drafting of a detailed Statement of Case with evidence. This dealt with the complicated planning history, and satisfied the Inspector that the building had been in agricultural use on the 20th March 2013 qualifying date.

The appeal decision also confirmed that the building was suitable for conversion and that the part demolition of a first floor wall, and the insertion of recessed glazed doors and windows to create a balcony feature, fell within the scope of the Class Q works. The balcony would have been within the footprint of the existing building and was acceptable.