Simplifying Rural Housing Opportunities
From 21st May 2025, important changes to Class Q Permitted Development Rights came into force. These updates open up new possibilities for converting agricultural buildings into residential use, without the need for full planning permission.
At Ethical Planning, we welcome these reforms as they create wider opportunities for landowners, farmers, and developers to unlock the potential of rural buildings in a more flexible and accessible way.
What is Class Q?
Class Q is a section of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) that allows certain agricultural buildings to be converted into residential use, without the requirement for full planning permission. It’s designed to support rural development by offering a streamlined alternative to the traditional planning process.
Over the years, we’ve supported numerous clients across the UK, in navigating Class Q to deliver high-quality homes in rural settings.
What’s Changed in 2025?
The 2025 update brings several key changes that expand the scope of Class Q.
- Wider eligibility: Buildings no longer need to be in use for agriculture. They now only need to have formed part of an Established Agricultural Unit (EAU) on or before 24th July 2023.
- Increased unit limits: The cap has increased from five dwellings to ten, with a total floor space allowance of up to 1,000 sqm. However, individual dwellings are now limited to 150 sqm each.
- Extension rights: Eligible buildings may now be extended by up to 4 metres at the rear, provided it’s onto an existing hard surface, particularly helpful for smaller structures.
- Allowance for minor protrusions: Features like rooflights or bat boxes up to 200mm are now permitted.
Perhaps most notably, Class Q now covers more buildings that were not in active agricultural use including structures used for storage, stabling, or even some commercial uses, as long as they were part of an agricultural unit as of 24 July 2023.
Where Class Q Still Doesn’t Apply
Class Q rights do not apply in:
- National Parks
- National Landscapes (formerly AONBs)
- Conservation Areas
- Listed buildings or heritage assets
- Sites without suitable access
It’s also important to note that while these changes offer greater flexibility, there are still detailed criteria that must be met to benefit from Class Q.
Our View
The updated Class Q regulations offer a real boost to rural housing development potential, particularly for smaller or previously ineligible buildings. While size limits remain a consideration, there are longer-term planning strategies that may allow for replacement dwellings beyond the Class Q constraints.
How Ethical Planning Can Help
At Ethical Planning, we offer honest, expert advice tailored to your site. Whether you’re exploring Class Q conversion, long-term development potential, or just want to know where to start, contact us, we’re here to help!