The Class Q Barn Conversion Checklist: What Every Developer Must Know

If you’re looking at a barn and wondering, “Could I turn this into a home?” — don’t guess. Use this fast, field-ready checklist to spot Class Q-eligible opportunities and avoid costly dead ends.

1. Is the Building Eligible?

• Existed before 24 July 2023

  The barn must have physically existed on a working farm by this date. No recent new builds.

• Used for agriculture

  It must have been part of an established agricultural unit (not used as a workshop, storage, or commercial building).

• Not extended or rebuilt recently

  Significant changes after July 2023 can disqualify the site.

2. Is the Structure Sound?

• Capable of conversion without rebuilding

  The barn must be structurally solid. No full rebuilds allowed — get a structural survey to be sure.

• No increase in size or height

  Class Q allows changes like windows, doors, and interior fit-outs — but not expanding the building footprint.

• Safe and legal access

  There must be a way to reach the site by vehicle (and this must meet council highways standards).

3. Is the Location Allowed?

• Not in a protected area

  Class Q doesn’t apply in:

  • National Parks

  • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)

  • Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

  • Conservation Areas

  • World Heritage Sites

• Not a listed building

  Grade I/II/II* barns are excluded and require full planning.

• No Article 4 restriction

  Some councils remove Class Q rights locally.

4. Does It Fit the Development Limits?

• No more than 10 homes on the farm

  That’s the current Class Q cap per agricultural unit (since May 2024).

• Total floor area under 1,000 m²

  All dwellings combined must stay below this.

• Each unit under 150 m²

  Applies to homes created under the updated rules.

5. Can You Pass Prior Approval?

Class Q doesn’t mean “no planning” — you still need prior approval from the council for:

• Highways and access — Is it safe and practical?

• Noise — From nearby farms, roads, or businesses

• Flood risk — Especially in low-lying rural areas

• Design — Must look reasonable and fit the rural character

Pro tip: The more evidence you prepare (access plans, structural survey, ecology reports), the smoother your application.

Bonus Tip: Use BOOM! to Filter Class Q Sites Fast

BOOM! lets you scan thousands of rural plots and filter by:

• Agricultural land

• Existing buildings

• Outside protected zones

• Flood risks

You can now find Class Q opportunities in minutes, not weeks.

Use this checklist before you even step on-site — and you’ll instantly have an edge over most developers. The countryside is full of barns… but only a few are Class Q gold. This list helps you spot them first.

To find out how you can use BOOM! to source Class Q opportunities book a call with our CEO, Simon.