Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
UK Construction Directory
Search our 157,465 companies....

Construction News

21/05/2024

New Laws Allow Farmers to Convert Buildings Into Homes And Shops

Construction News Image
New planning laws are set to benefit farmers by allowing the conversion of unused buildings into new homes, gyms and farm shops without having to submit a planning application.

The major changes provide farmers across England with greater freedom to diversify and grow their businesses without the need to spend time and money on planning applications. They can now convert agricultural buildings and land into lucrative business opportunities, such as outdoor sports facilities, larger farm shops, farm training centres and housing, thanks to the new permitted development rights effective from today 21 May 2024.

Minister for Housing, Planning and Building Safety Lee Rowley stated: "Farmers are the lifeblood of communities, and these changes give them the freedom to grow their businesses, and plan for their futures. This is all part of our Long-term Plan for Housing to deliver more homes for rural communities and reform the planning system, removing unnecessary barriers to development."
-- Advertisement --
hss



Farming Minister Mark Spencer said: "I am extremely pleased to support our farmers and provide them the freedom to decide the best uses for buildings on their land, without needless bureaucracy holding them back.

"We are listening to farmers and putting them at the heart of future development of our rural areas. Helping farmers secure their businesses and get on with the important job of producing food is our top priority."

Permitted development rights provide more freedoms to develop without applying for planning permission.

The Government is extending these rights to give farmers greater freedoms to diversify and convert agricultural buildings to commercial uses, as well as up to 10 homes, without needing to submit a planning application. These rules are subject to space and natural light conditions, to ensure homes are suitable. This will help turbocharge rural housing development, with just 5,000 homes delivered on farming land since April 2014.

The changes will:

•Double the amount of floorspace that can change from agricultural to ‘flexible commercial use’ from 500 square metres to 1,000 square metres.

•Increase the size of new buildings or extensions that can be built on farms over 5 hectares from 1,000 square metres to 1,500 square metres.

•For smaller farms increase the size of such development from 1,000 square metres to 1,250 square metres.

•Double the number of homes that can be delivered through the conversion of agricultural buildings from five to 10.

•Protect nationally important archaeological sites (scheduled monuments) by removing the ability for extensions to be built and new buildings erected in the vicinity.

The amendments deliver on one of the pledges made by the Prime Minister at the Farm to Fork Summit in May last year, to cut red tape and streamline the planning system for farmers, as well as support the wider rural economy.

Latest Construction News

08/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has announced the successful completion of the main building phase for the King Henry VIII 3-19 School redevelopment in Abergavenny, a transformative £62.5 million project delivered via the SEWSCAP framework. A celebration was held to mark the handover of the new building
08/07/2025
The government has today confirmed funding for over 50 road and rail infrastructure upgrades. These projects, which include long-awaited schemes such as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route and the Portishead to Bristol city centre rail line, are anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the con
08/07/2025
The shortlist for the 2025 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards has been unveiled by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to champion the significant contributions of women across the industry, aiming to make female role
08/07/2025
Watts Group, a prominent property and construction consultancy, has today published the 30th edition of its widely respected 'Watts Pocket Handbook', marking nearly a decade since its previous release. Recognised as a vital resource for professionals across the built environment, this latest editi
08/07/2025
A team of staff from Leeds College of Building (LCB) recently made their debut at 'The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025'. The annual event, held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at Newark Showground, serves as a key platform to promote the crucial importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (E
08/07/2025
Dan McGrail has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy, the UK's publicly-owned clean power company. His appointment aims to accelerate the government's Plan for Change, with a core mission to establish the UK as a clean energy superpower. Mr McG
08/07/2025
Understanding Custom Rubber Diaphragms Custom rubber diaphragms are essential components in various industrial applications, playing a crucial role in enhancing performance and efficiency. As a manufacturer specialising in these versatile components, we've witnessed firsthand the impact th
08/07/2025
Modular tiles are among the most popular option for flooring at the minute. These bring character and sophistication through their layout. Most frequently these are made from porcelain which makes them multifunctional and highly durable. Modular tiles are suitable for old and new properties and are
07/07/2025
Travelodge has officially broken ground on a new 100-room hotel in Loughton, marking the latest addition to the UK's first budget hotel brand's expanding portfolio. The company, which operates more than 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, is aiming to meet growing demand for affordable ac
07/07/2025
Oldham Council has officially unveiled Snipe Gardens, a newly created green space and pedestrian gateway designed to provide a welcoming entrance into the town centre. Situated on the site of the former Snipe Inn pub, the new landscaped area links Oldham bus station with Henshaw Street. As one of t
Efco UK LtdLakeside HireStuart CanvasAqua Direct LtdHopkins Estates ConcreteLM Waste Management LtdRock Fall Industry Defining Safety FootwearQED Independent Testing & Consultancy LtdThe Knotweed CompanyABC Associates Structures 4 U