Diversification of redundant Agricultural Building through Class R Permitted Development

A landowner approached Bloomfields seeking to generate additional income from an underutilised agricultural building while avoiding the cost and uncertainty of a full planning application.

Following a detailed assessment of the site’s planning history and eligibility under Class R Permitted Development Rights, Bloomfields prepared and submitted a Prior Approval application to facilitate the change of use from agriculture to commercial office accommodation.

The proposal successfully demonstrated that the building was capable of conversion without significant external alterations and that the development would not adversely affect the surrounding rural area.

Prior Approval was granted, enabling the landowner to bring a redundant building back into productive use and create a long-term income-generating asset. The scheme supports rural business growth and economic diversification while retaining the character of the existing farmstead.