Pictured above: Peter Fenwick
New emerging planning policy in Shropshire could see the end to
barn conversion schemes on farms in the county, other than for
isolated buildings.
The newly published draft document 'Shropshire Core Strategy
Final Plan' sets out the council's planning policies for the county
for the next 16 years and according to Peter Fenwick, planning
specialist with Berrys in Shrewsbury, it includes a major policy
change that could affect all farmers with redundant agricultural
buildings.
"Any residential barn conversion up to five dwellings could
attract a financial levy of 50 per cent of the costs of
construction which would be payable to the council to contribute
towards affordable housing," he said.
If the council introduce this, it could significantly reduce the
value of these schemes as the developer or owner will have to take
into account the 50 per cent affordable housing requirement, either
in cash or provision of units for affordable housing.
"In my view, this policy could mean the end of barn conversion
schemes, other than isolated buildings, as the costs of re-siting
any adjoining buildings will outweigh the value of the buildings
with planning," Peter said.
The plans will be considered by a government appointed planning
inspector later this year and will come under public scrutiny early
next year. The policy is likely to be adopted later in 2011.
"This policy does not yet apply so farmers who have been sitting
on these types of buildings should consider bringing forward any
conversion proposals so that they can bank the planning permission
under the old policy.
"It will be worth having your redundant barns surveyed as soon
as possible to assess their suitability for conversion. Obtaining
detailed planning permission now will secure the value of a barn
for three years," he added.
Berrys has extensive experience of barn conversions and planning
work offering a one-stop shop with in-house architects,
environmental specialists, planning consultants, business experts
and landscape designers.
For details on current planning issues, or for an initial
consultation, contact Berrys on 01743 271697.