5 May 2025

We’re featured in Build It magazine this month!

We’re delighted to be featured in Build It magazine this month.

The June 2025 edition, features a small 'Inspiration' article on the stunning home of one of our clients in the rural village of Syerston, Nottinghamshire. Our clients approached us to assist with the adaption of an existing design proposal to convert a former Dutch barn into a beautiful family home with views of the surrounding landscape.

Accessibility was at the forefront of the owners’ requirements. They wanted a house that both respected the building’s historic form and fulfilled their need for improved circulation.

The innovative design works harmoniously within the established envelope of the barn. Ancillary areas, such as the utility, boot room and cloakroom, were re-orientated for more practical usage. A modern, open-plan living, dining and kitchen area incorporates carefully positioned glazing, framing the stunning vistas of the surrounding environment. Alongside the more private spaces on the upper floor, all the internal rooms offer level access.

Externally, the property’s facade echoes the style of traditional Dutch barns, through the use of wood cladding to the upper level and an elegant curved roof. Zinc was chosen for the lower portions of the build, adding a touch of contemporary design to the original aesthetic.

The two-toned exterior creates a wonderful contrast to the typical red brick and clay-tiled rooftops of neighbouring properties, cementing the home as a striking, stand-out feature within its agricultural setting.

Although beautiful, the garden’s topography varies considerably. Convenient ramps were sensitively integrated into the landscape to ensure unimpeded movement across the site, while also enhancing fluidity between the charming indoor and outdoor spaces.

At Design Haus, we love seeing our projects featured in prestigious home design magazines such as Build It. Thank you to our clients for sharing their beautiful home, to Matt Horan Photography and to Build It magazine for their fantastic work on this feature.

To see more of this project, visit the Dutch Barn page of our website or check out this edition on the Build It magazine website.

10 September 2021

A guide to Class Q barn conversions

The permitted development right known as Class Q was introduced to England’s planning policy in 2014. It allows for ‘prior approval’ to convert agricultural buildings to change their use, such as converting a barn into a residential home.

If the building meets the criteria of the policy, Class Q can be used in place of the full planning application process, which means that it may offer a more straightforward route for those looking to build a home in the countryside or in a conservation area.

Here’s an overview of Class Q and what it means for your barn conversion.

Class Q restrictions

There are several important restrictions that are taken into consideration when determining whether a building is eligible under Class Q.

The following is a simplified overview of these restrictions to give you an idea of what to expect.

Agricultural use

The building must have been used for agricultural purposes on March 20th 2013, or proof must be given that it was in use prior to this date, but not since. If the building was built or brought into use after this date, it must have been in agricultural use for 10 years.

An agricultural tenancy of the site cannot have been terminated within 1 year of the prior approval application, and for the purpose of Class Q, unless there is prior agreement between landlord and tenant that the site is no longer required for agricultural use.

Dwelling size

You can build up to three larger dwellings (over 100 sqm each), or up to five smaller dwellings (up to 100 sqm each).

However, the total floorspace of the larger building(s) cannot exceed 465 sqm. The maximum floorspace you can create is therefore 865 sqm, by building one large dwelling and four small dwellings, each at the largest permitted size.

Permitted works

Partial demolition may be permitted, although buildings cannot be extended in any way. Internal conversion is permitted and may include the addition of an independent first-floor mezzanine.

Structural works designed to allow the building to function as a house are permitted, such as installing or replacing windows, doors, roofs or exterior walls. However, the building must be structurally capable of functioning as a residence without structural additions or reinforcements. The replacement or installation of services such as electricity, gas, water and drainage are also permitted.

How to apply for Class Q

If your barn meets the criteria, you’ll need to submit a prior approval application before going ahead with any conversion work. There are two application options under Class Q.

The first option pertains to changing the use of the building from agricultural use to residential use as a dwellinghouse. The second option includes the development as well as any building operations necessary to convert the building into a Class C3 dwellinghouse. Generally speaking, you should use the second option for your application, unless you’re planning to only convert the interior of the barn without any external renovations.

You should receive a decision on your application within 56 days, which is roughly in line with the typical wait for planning permission.

Need help with a Class Q conversion?

If you’re planning a Class Q barn conversion and you’d like some support from an experienced architect, get in touch with Design Haus.

Whether you’re unsure about the eligibility of your property, you need help with the application process, or you’re looking for a complete architectural design service, we’re here to help.

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Design Haus Architecture
5 Portland Road
West Bridgford 
Nottingham NG2 6DN

studio@designhausarchitecture.co.uk

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