So, you fancy living in something a bit different?

In recent times, Galbraith’s Planning and Development Team have been taking the opportunity to explore the amazing planning opportunities afforded by permitted development rights to convert agricultural buildings into homes. Not only does this emerging form of planning provide for an eclectic range of buildings to be developed, offering all variety of sizes, shapes and materials, but also such buildings very often lie in idyllic, rural surroundings offering space and views unrivalled by many conventional self-build opportunities.

Permitted development rights under Class Q of the General Permitted Development Rights Order have been around for some time now in England and a similar form of permitted development is now becoming established through Class 18B in Scotland. Whilst the constraints for eligibility are rather specific for both classes of permitted development, once the change of use is established it opens opportunities to upgrade the planning status to full planning permission, often unlocking further opportunities to add amazing design flourishes, additional garden space and other significant advantages.

An example of how this planning method can be put to good effect can be seen with an isolated building found in rural Northumberland, a short distance from the popular market town of Morpeth, and within easy reach of Newcastle upon Tyne.

In World War II many airfields were hurriedly constructed by the Ministry of Defence to help with the war effort. Many of these reverted to agricultural use in peacetime. This former aircraft hangar has been providing solid service for several decades as a lambing shed and fodder store. However, it is soon to be transformed into a truly exceptional luxury home. The building lies on the edge of the former airfield, and alongside one of the region’s most renowned enclaves of high quality, luxury housing. Having now secured planning permission for conversion it offers the chance to create a remarkable and thoroughly contemporary new home, providing a spectacular alternative to many of the amazing, but perhaps more predictable, mock Georgian mansion houses within the locality. Moreover, being on the edge of an airfield, this plot of around three acres has an amazing, expansive view to the south over grazing land, an attribute with which few if any of the neighbours can compete.

Given the intriguing shape of the donor building, extensive use of curtain wall glazing is applied to the southern gable to allow light to penetrate well into the core of the building as well as offering glorious views from both floors, internally and from the covered terrace and balcony.

Accommodation is over two floors, and extends to around 7500 ft.2, with 5 large bedroom suites and 3 reception rooms in addition to the spacious integral garage.

Although this may represent a particularly unusual example, we nevertheless find an increasing number of cattle buildings, hay sheds, and even former silage pits, now form the basis of some truly exciting and innovative rural homes. We look forward to seeing these becoming an established part of the rural scene in much the same way as we have now readily accepted the more conventional conversion of traditional stone and brick farm buildings. n

Simon Beeby 07711 739552

simon.beeby@galbraithgroup.com