Planning Guidance Statement
Farm Building Conversions
• There should be a presumption in favour of other suitable agricultural or commercial usage unless the buildings are "Historical" or "Listed". In such cases the HBLG should be consulted before responding.
• New business usage proposed for converted farm buildings must meet sustainable development criteria – including good design, contribution to local economy and access to local services.
• Where conversion to dwellings is proposed and appears to be the most sustainable option, the suitability of low cost units should be examined.
• Most Local Authorities have acceptable published policies for conversions based on Government guidance and accept the Chiltern Building Design Guide as Supplementary Planning Guidance. Applications that do not conform are unlikely to succeed and should be opposed unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Note: This PGS should be operated alongside the HBLG policy for the Conversion of Historical Farm Buildings and Farmsteads in the Chiltern Hills (June 2001)
GWL June 2001
Reviewed Convenor's meeting 13 06.08
