The future of redundant farm buildings
The presence of redundant farm buildings is a common sight across the Midlands however the maximisation of their potential through conversion to residential use has often been difficult to achieve through resistance from local planning authorities. A recent appeal decision in Staffordshire however reveals a welcome interpretation of planning policy and the need to exhaust so called ‘employment uses’ before residential can be considered.
Fisher German’s Stafford office, in conjunction with the firm’s in-house planning team, has recently been marketing a range of modern and traditional barns in Staffordshire for commercial and employment uses whilst an appeal was lodged against the initial residential planning application. Planning permission was refused by the Council following the adoption of their new Local Plan which emphasised requirements set out in national planning guidance to favour supposedly more sustainable employment uses over residential uses for redundant buildings in rural areas. The Council’s interpretation of the policy resulted in them requesting a minimum of 12 months marketing through two agents for employment uses. Fisher German carried out a thorough marketing campaign on behalf of the client and after three months of marketing as sole agent were successful in convincing the Inspector that there was no demand for employment uses and that residential use was the most appropriate use of the buildings.
If you are looking to achieve maximum value from your redundant farm buildings or have buildings for development to sell, please do not hesitate to contact Helena Saunderson at the Stafford Office on 01785 220044.
- Ashby de la Zouch
- 01530 412821
- Banbury
- 01295 271 555
- Knutsford
- 01565 757970
- Market Harborough
- 01858 410 200
- Newark
- 01949 851815
- Southampton
- 02380 883150
- Stafford
- 01785 220 044
- Worcester
- 01905 453275
