Part Q Barn Conversions – Turn Your Agricultural Building into a Home

Converting a barn into a house has become one of the most popular rural development routes in England. Thanks to Part Q of the General Permitted Development Order (also known as Class Q permitted development), landowners and developers can transform agricultural buildings into residential dwellings without needing full planning permission.

What is Part Q (Class Q)?

Part Q allows the change of use of an agricultural building to a dwelling through a process called prior approval. Instead of a full planning application, you ask the local authority to confirm whether your proposed conversion is acceptable under the rules.

This route is ideal for:

• Converting traditional barns into single family homes
• Creating multiple dwellings from a single farm building (up to 5 allowed)
• Unlocking value from unused agricultural land

Key Rules for Part Q Barn Conversions

To qualify under Class Q, the building must meet strict conditions:

• The barn must have been in agricultural use on or before 20 March 2013.
• You can create up to five new homes (maximum three large dwellings up to 465 m² total, and two smaller dwellings up to 100 m² each).
• You can convert to one single dwelling if you prefer.
• The conversion must work within the existing shell – no new extensions.
• Only works “reasonably necessary” to make the building suitable are permitted (such as adding doors, windows, insulation, and services).
• Local authorities will review issues such as highways access, noise, flooding, contamination, and the structural integrity of the barn.

What are the Benefits of a Part Q Conversion?

Adds value – rural barns often increase in value significantly once converted.
Faster approvals – prior approval is usually quicker than full planning.
Character homes – barn conversions combine rural charm with modern living.
Sustainable reuse – making use of existing buildings reduces waste and land use.

How Can Solo Timber Frame Help?

At Solo Timber Frame, we provide expert support for landowners and developers exploring barn conversions:

Feasibility assessments – we’ll review your building and advise if it qualifies under Part Q.
Planning and design – preparing drawings and managing the prior approval process.
Engineering – providing efficient timber frame systems to transform old barns into warm, sustainable homes.
Project delivery – from frame supply to full build support.

Whether you want to convert a barn into a single family home or develop several dwellings under Part Q, our team has the expertise to guide you through every stage.

If you’re considering a Part Q barn conversion, speak to our team today. We’ll help you understand what’s possible and how to unlock the full potential of your agricultural building.

Contact us to discuss your project.