Government proposals to simplify the process of transforming agricultural buildings into homes have been welcomed by farmers.

Ministers are looking to reform the planning rules surrounding barn conversions, a move which would allow barns to be converted for residential use without specific permission.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (LCLG) is inviting comments on the proposal as part of a package of measures contained in a document laying out ways to give people greater flexibility in changes of use for buildings.

For over a decade the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has been calling on the Government to relax the planning rules on barn conversions, and President Harry Cotterell claims the proposals would provide a much needed boost to the rural economy.

“We all recognise the urgent need for more housing across all our villages and rural areas, so we welcome the government proposals set out in this consultation,” he said.

“This gives more flexibility to an entrepreneurially-minded farmer to make the best use of his or her property.

“Nevertheless the consultation is silent on a number of important matters so we look forward to working closely with the Government to achieve the right outcome.”

If confirmed, the plans include stringent precautions to ensure that a small minority of people are not tempted to abuse the concession.

For instance, the liberalisation will apply only to buildings already in existence when the proposal was first made in the 2013 Budget.

In addition, anyone who converts a barn will lose their agricultural permitted development rights for a decade.

Jack Tavernor, partner in Strutt & Parker’s Shrewsbury office, said: “This is potentially a great opportunity for many farmers and landowning clients. The devil will be in the detail, and nothing is confirmed, but it is worth bearing the possibility in mind when considering estate and farm strategy as it opens up options which previously have been closed.

“It seems to be a very sensible option which not only allows farmers to make use of buildings otherwise largely inefficient for modern farming but also helps combat the lack of housing in rural areas.

“This is very much a positive step forward with the government realising there should be a presumption in favour of the reuse and development of redundant farm buildings for alternative uses.”

David Collier, chief rural affairs adviser of the National Farmers Union (NFU), claims the ability to convert barns more easily could help facilitate business succession by providing new homes for a retiring farmer or the next generation, as well as meeting the needs of the market.

“These exciting proposals are about putting trust in farmers to do the right thing with their buildings,” he said.

“If the proposals are confirmed there will be more opportunities for people to move into the countryside to live, or to enjoy holiday accommodation.”

The NFU will consult its members on the details of the proposals and submit its considered views to DCLG in October.

For more information, please contact Jack Tavernor, or any one of the experts in our farming departments.