Agricultural-history review
We examine the established agricultural unit, relevant dates, tenancy position, previous Class Q development and Part 6 history.
Residential architecture service
Class Q Barn Conversion Architect
Class Q can provide a prior-approval route from qualifying agricultural buildings to homes, including defined building operations and, in limited circumstances, a rear extension. The agricultural history, building fabric, access, location and current statutory limits must all be established before design work is relied upon.
Suitable for
Projects we can support.
- Agricultural barns being considered for homes
- Former agricultural buildings with qualifying history
- Rural sites under review before purchase
- Single-home and multi-unit barn conversions
- Class Q refusals or revised prior-approval proposals
Our process
A structured route through the project.
Building and access appraisal
The existing structure, conversion operations, highway access, curtilage, designations and physical suitability are reviewed.
Residential capacity design
Layouts are tested against the current dwelling and floorspace limits, nationally described space standards, natural light and external appearance.
Prior-approval package
Drawings and evidence are coordinated around highways, noise, contamination, flood risk, location, design, natural light and any adjoining-amenity issue.
Typical deliverables
What the appointment may include.
The final scope is confirmed in a written fee proposal tailored to the property and approval route.
Class Q eligibility appraisal
Agricultural-history evidence schedule
Existing-building and site drawings
Conversion and limited-extension proposals
Prior-approval drawings and statement
Specialist consultant coordination
RIBA-aligned scope
Clear stages and responsibilities.
The appointment is aligned to the RIBA Plan of Work stages that are proportionate to a residential project.
Stage 0: rural site and Class Q appraisal
Stage 1: evidence, survey and consultant scope
Stage 2: conversion layout and external design
Stage 3: prior-approval submission
Stage 4: technical and structural coordination where appointed
Indicative timescales.
- Eligibility and evidence review: usually 1–3 weeks
- Survey and concept conversion: commonly 2–5 weeks
- Specialist reports and submission preparation: commonly 4–10 weeks
- Development must follow the statutory completion period attached to prior approval
Proportionate fixed scopes.
Class Q fees reflect the agricultural evidence, number of proposed homes, structural complexity, access position and specialist reports needed. An eligibility appraisal is normally the sensible first appointment.
Use the fee calculatorSeparate appointments and costs.
- Local authority prior-approval fee
- Structural condition report and engineering design
- Highways, noise, contamination, flood, ecology and landscape reports
- Agricultural, tenancy or legal advice
- Bat surveys and protected-species licensing
- Building Regulations and warranty services unless appointed
Independent client feedback
Clear advice and dependable communication.
Great service! David was on time with the plans, and his advice has been invaluable throughout the process.Verified homeownerView on MyBuilder
David was a pleasure to deal with throughout. He was easy to talk to and nothing was too much.Verified homeownerView on Checkatrade
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this service.
How many homes can Class Q currently create?
Subject to all other requirements, the current cumulative limits are up to 10 dwellinghouses and up to 1,000 square metres of residential floorspace across the original limits of the established agricultural unit. No individual dwelling may exceed 150 square metres.
Can a barn be extended under Class Q?
The current rules can allow a limited single-storey rear extension of up to four metres, but only where every detailed condition is met, including the qualifying hard-surface requirements.
Can Class Q be used for a listed barn?
No. A listed building is excluded from Class Q. Other exclusions include article 2(3) land, scheduled monuments and specified protected or safety sites.
Does the barn need to be structurally capable of conversion?
Class Q permits specified building operations reasonably necessary for conversion, not rebuilding in substance. Structural evidence is often important and each building must be assessed individually.
Discuss your project
Speak directly with a residential architect.
Call now or book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss the property, approval route and likely next steps.