New Class Q & Class R Permitted Development Rights - What's the Point? || Property Breaking News

Summary

The video discusses recent changes to Class Q and Class R permitted development rights, impacting Grand Designs-style barn conversions. The changes restrict large dwelling conversions, allowing only up to 150 square meters per unit, while enabling larger agricultural buildings to be repurposed for multiple smaller dwellings or commercial uses. The hosts highlight the potential drawbacks for luxury home builders but see opportunities for developers to create more housing. The discussion includes insights into other legislative changes affecting property development, and promotes the Baker Street Property Meet, a premier networking event for property investors.

Takeaways

• 🏡 The UK government has introduced new changes to Class Q and Class R permitted development rights affecting the conversion of agricultural buildings.
• 🔨 Grand Design-style barn conversions may become unviable due to the new restrictions on the size of dwellings post-21st May, limiting them to 150 square meters.
• 📈 The changes could allow for the creation of up to 10 dwellings on a single site, provided there is existing hard standing.
• 🏢 Class R changes now permit the conversion of agricultural buildings into hotels, storage, distribution, outdoor sports facilities, general industrial use, and agricultural training purposes.
• 🌾 The demand for such conversions in rural areas may be limited, as the original appeal was the tranquility and isolation these properties offered.
• 🏘️ Developers may find it challenging to create a market for multiple dwellings in remote, rural locations.
• 📝 There is a time limit for developers to submit applications for large residential conversions before the new restrictions take effect on the 21st of May 2024.
• 🏢 The consultation paper proposed changes to Class M and Class G permitted development rights, which could potentially create more homes and jobs.
• 🛠️ The government has not implemented all the measures from the consultation paper, which has raised questions about the focus on a few hundred homes instead of a broader approach.
• 🏨 Future changes may include the conversion of hotels to residential use (Class C3) and the expansion of the number of flats above shops from two to four.
• 🤝 The Baker Street property meet is highlighted as a key networking event for property investors, aiming to connect them with experts and like-minded individuals.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the changes to Class Q and Class R permitted development rights in the UK, and their impact on property development, particularly on Grand Design type schemes.

What is the Baker Street property meet?

The Baker Street property meet is the UK's number one property investors networking event where over 300 property investors meet and network each month, featuring guest speakers and opportunities to learn about the latest trends in property investment.

What is the significance of the changes to Class Q and Class R permitted development rights?

The changes to Class Q and Class R permitted development rights have implications for the types of developments that can be carried out on agricultural land. For instance, the size of dwellings that can be created under Class Q is now restricted to 150 square meters, which affects the feasibility of large Grand Design type projects.

What is the new limit on the size of dwellings that can be created under Class Q after the changes?

The new limit on the size of dwellings that can be created under Class Q is 150 square meters or less.

What is the potential impact of the changes on the demand for large, isolated residential properties?

The changes may reduce the demand for large, isolated residential properties, as developers are now limited in the size of the dwellings they can create, potentially leading to the creation of smaller, more densely packed housing units in rural areas.

What additional uses are now permitted under Class R after the changes?

Under the new changes to Class R, agricultural buildings can now be repurposed for a wider range of uses, including outdoor sports facilities (F2 use), general industrial use (B2 use), and for agricultural training purposes.

What is the potential for creating a hotel on a converted barn under the new Class R permitted development rights?

With the new changes, it is now possible to convert barns into hotels, which could provide a new use for agricultural buildings and potentially contribute to the local economy in rural areas.

What is the time limit for developers who want to take advantage of the old Class Q rules?

Developers who want to take advantage of the old Class Q rules, which allowed for larger dwellings, must submit their applications before the 21st of May, 2024.

What other changes to permitted development rights are mentioned in the script?

The script also mentions changes to Class M and Class G permitted development rights, which now allow for the conversion of commercial buildings such as shops and offices to residential use without the previous limitations on floor space and vacancy requirements.

What is the potential impact of the changes on rural areas and the local economy?

The changes could lead to a more diverse mix of uses for agricultural buildings, potentially bringing cash into rural areas. However, there are concerns about the demand for such developments, especially in remote locations, and whether the new regulations will lead to a significant increase in the number of homes or jobs.

What are the opinions expressed in the script regarding the new changes to Class Q and Class R?

The opinions expressed in the script suggest that while there may be some benefits to the changes, such as the potential for new uses of agricultural buildings, there is also skepticism about the practicality and demand for these new types of developments, as well as criticism of the government's focus on these changes over other potential measures that could deliver more homes and jobs.