Barn conversions requiring full planning permission in Cornwall and Devon

Exploring the potential of agricultural buildings to create thoughtfully designed homes.

A barn can offer the opportunity to create a home with a distinctive character and a close connection to its surroundings. You may already own an agricultural building, be considering a purchase or want to understand whether conversion is possible.

Where Class Q is not suitable, a full planning application may offer another route, depending on the building, its location and the relevant planning policies. Our small, Bude-based team can help you understand the possibilities before committing to a detailed design.

With over forty years of experience across Cornwall and Devon, we bring together planning knowledge, conservation experience and practical design skills to guide your project from the first assessment through to construction.

Finding the right approach for your barn

Understanding the building and its potential

We begin by looking at the barn’s existing structure, character and setting, alongside your ideas and budget. Access, services, neighbouring uses and the surrounding landscape all help shape what could be achievable.

An early feasibility appraisal can help identify opportunities, constraints and any specialist investigations needed. Whether you are planning your own home or exploring a small development, this gives you a clearer basis for deciding how to proceed.

Developing a planning proposal

We review the planning context and help you understand how a conversion proposal could respond to the building and its surroundings. Where useful, we can discuss seeking pre-application advice before developing a full application.

Our team can lead the design and planning process, preparing drawings and coordinating supporting information from structural engineers, ecologists and other specialists. We explain the steps involved and keep you informed as the application progresses.

Designing a home with character

The proportions, materials and openings of an agricultural building provide a starting point for its design. We explore how these qualities can be retained while creating practical rooms, comfortable living spaces and opportunities for natural light.

We take time to understand how you want to live, developing the layout and details with you. Our approach is shaped by the individual building and your priorities, whether you favour a traditional interior, a contemporary finish or a combination of both.

Bringing the design and technical details together

Converting a barn involves adapting a building that was originally designed for a different purpose. Structure, insulation, moisture, ventilation and services need careful consideration alongside the layout and appearance.

Our in-house skills cover design, planning, energy assessment, technical detailing and interiors. By considering these elements together, we can help you understand how early choices will influence the finished home, the construction work and your budget.

Where additional expertise is needed, we draw on trusted consultants and professional connections built over many years. We can continue supporting you after planning, developing the technical information needed for Building Regulations and construction.

What we do

Barn conversion feasibility appraisals
Planning advice and review of potential application routes
Measured surveys and coordination of specialist investigations
Concept designs and layout options
CGI visualisations
Full planning applications and supporting information
Coordination with structural engineers, ecologists and heritage specialists
Building Regulations drawings and technical detailing
In-house energy assessment
Interior and landscape design
Construction-stage support

Barn conversions we have delivered

The Old Hay Barn

Metters and Wellby Architects secured planning permission for this expansive agricultural barn conversion in Cornwall.

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Crannow Barn, near Crackington Haven

Crannow Barn is a sensitive rural conversion that transforms two deteriorating agricultural buildings near Crackington Haven into a distinctive contemporary home. Rooted in the character of the North Cornwall landscape, the project carefully balances preservation and renewal, retaining the historic stone barns while introducing a modern connecting element that brings light, space and long-term purpose to the site.

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Brays Hill Farm Barn

Set within the countryside just outside Marhamchurch, Nr Bude, Brays Hill Farm Barn is the sensitive conversion of a traditional Cornish stone barn into a contemporary family home.

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Frequently asked questions

My barn does not qualify for Class Q. Could it still be converted?

Possibly. A full planning application may offer an alternative, but it needs to be assessed against the relevant planning policies and the circumstances of the site. We can review the building and help you understand whether this is an option worth exploring.

Can you advise before I buy a barn?

Yes. We can assess the planning context and the apparent opportunities and constraints, identifying where surveys or specialist advice would be needed. This can help you make a more informed decision before purchasing.

Does the barn need to be in good condition?

Its condition is an important consideration. A structural assessment may be needed to establish whether the building is suitable for conversion and what work would be involved. We can coordinate with a structural engineer and consider the findings alongside the planning and design requirements.

What surveys and reports might be needed?

These depend on the building and site. Structural, ecological, drainage, access or heritage information may be required. We help identify the likely requirements early and obtain quotations from suitable specialists so you can allow for these costs.

Can you help us understand the conversion costs?

Yes. We discuss your budget from the outset and identify factors that may influence costs, including the existing structure, access, services and proposed specification. As the design develops, we can help you obtain more detailed cost advice from contractors or a quantity surveyor.

Can you support the project after planning permission?

Yes. We can prepare Building Regulations drawings and technical details, coordinate specialist input and develop interior layouts and finishes schedules. We also offer construction-stage support, with our involvement tailored to your project.

The planning wording keeps the distinction between Class Q and a full application conditional on the individual building and local policies. Cornwall Council