Holcombe, Somerset - Class Q Conversion, Appeal Allowed

Key Skills: Planning Application

Category: Residential Development

Conversion of Agricultural Building to Residential

Prior Approval - Class Q application

Agricultural permitted development

Barn Conversion

Planning Appeal / Planning Inspectorate

LPA: Somerset Council

The Project

Our client had an agricultural building that was no longer in use and asked us to gain planning permission for its conversion to residential. It was identified that the best approach was to apply for prior approval under Class Q to Somerset Council. An application was submitted in February 2024 but was unfortunately refused permission in May 2024 as the Council were not convinced that the building was capable of conversion.

In response, an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was submitted robustly challenging the Council’s views and in April 2025, we received notification that the appeal was allowed and prior approval was granted. The Planning Inspector acknowledged the Council’s concerns but concluded that the evidence submitted by Tadman Planning clearly concluded that the building was capable of conversion and that, in the absence of any substantive evidence to the contrary by the Council, the proposed works were reasonably necessary for the conversion of the building to function as a dwelling house and was permitted development under Class Q.