Permitted Development Rights – What’s new?

Permitted development rights are a useful provision which allow for certain types of development without the need for full permission from a local planning authority.  These rights are generally subject to conditions and limitations and are set out in the Town and Country Planning (general Permitted Development) Order 2015. 

Following consultation earlier in the year, recent changes have been made to England’s permitted development rights to allow the temporary use of land for campsites for up to 50 pitches, for 60 days in a calendar year including use for motor vehicles designed or adapted for human habitation. 

Further changes ahead

The Government has announced a consultation proposing further changes to permitted development rights in England, many of which are relevant to farming and rural landowners.  The consultation will run from 24 July 2023 to 25 September 2023 and proposes: 

• Increasing the permitted area for agricultural buildings to 1,500, square metres on units of 5 hectares or more which is an increase of 500 square metres.  Prior approval will still be required for the design and siting. 

• Opening up of Classes Q which gives the rights to convert an agricultural building into dwellings.  The consultation seeks to allow more homes and increase the floorspace to either 100 or 150 sqm per home and increase the maximum number of homes for an agricultural unit from 5 to 10, including any previously developed under Class Q. 

• Opening of Class R which is the change of use on agricultural buildings to commercial uses.  The consultation proposes to allow outdoor sports, recreation and fitness use within this. 

• Opportunity for further farm infrastructure and environmental works giving greater flexibility in making existing buildings more productive without the need of a full planning application. 

We will keep you updated on the outcome of the consultation later in the year. To discuss any rural planning matters, please get in touch with your local office.