IN recent years, planning authorities have tended to favour the reuse of barns and other rural buildings for business use rather than residential use, with some removing residential conversions from policy completely.

Where support for residential conversion continued it was usually after exhaustive justification was provided and where there was no other suitable economic purpose.

Justification can involve a lengthy marketing campaign to establish demand and consideration of the structural suitability and merit of retention should be given.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) indicates that residential conversions may now be acceptable where a redundant or disused building would be revitalised leading to an enhancement of the immediate setting.

From 12 months from the release of the NPPF on March 27 this year, decision-takers may continue to give full weight to relevant policies adopted since 2004 even if there is a limited degree of conflict with the NPPF.

Local authorities are encouraged to approve planning applications for a change to a residential use where there is an identified need for additional housing in an area, provided there are not strong economic reasons why such development would be inappropriate.

In many situations, it may be possible to demonstrate that commercial reuse would not be economically viable.

Preservation of attractive barns or old rural buildings should remain the priority. Any proposal must be sympathetic to the original form and structure, retaining as many features of the barn as possible.

Given the complexity and cost of planning, it is advisable in the first instance to seek pre-application advice from a local authority as to the likelihood of consent (charges may apply).

This stage is only an officer’s informal opinion. However, it provides some peace of mind prior to any costly applications being prepared.

More detailed advice can be obtained by contacting experienced consultants at Acorus on 01392 873900 or by visiting www.acorus.co.uk