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Class Q Barn Conversions

Breathing New Life into Rural Buildings with Class Q Expertise

At Metters & Wellby, we specialise in transforming agricultural barns into striking, contemporary homes — with a deep understanding of Class Q permitted development. Whether you’re a landowner exploring your options or a developer seeking value from redundant farm buildings, we help you unlock potential with confidence and creativity.

Specialists in Class Q Barn Conversions

Many of the barn conversions we design in Cornwall and Devon fall under Class Q, a planning route that allows certain agricultural buildings to be converted into dwellings without full planning permission. We’re experienced in assessing whether your site is eligible — and in maximising the design possibilities within the Class Q framework.

Our Class Q services include:

Feasibility studies and Class Q assessments

Find out what’s possible before you commit

Class Q planning applications

Prepared with care to meet local authority expectations

Contemporary architectural design

Modern homes with light, flow and rural character

3D CGI visualisation

See your barn conversion brought to life

Technical design & building regulations

For a smooth build phase

On-site support if required

To help deliver what we’ve designed

We work with a wide range of barns — from stone and timber structures to modern steel-framed agricultural buildings — always with a focus on retaining character while introducing contemporary features and liveability.

Why Work With Us?

We’re a small team of architectural designers and technologists based in North Cornwall, with a professional, down-to-earth approach. Our designs are known for their clarity, natural materials, and respect for setting — especially when working within AONBs or on heritage sites. 

Our recently approved Orchard Barn, Pancrasweek project is a great example of a successful Class Q conversion: a former agricultural building reimagined as a striking rural home — blending contemporary design with sensitive detailing, and fully approved under Class Q regulations.
We’ll help you make sense of the regulations, assess your building’s eligibility, and design a home that works beautifully within its setting. We can even assess your site before you commit to buying. 

Class Q conversions we have delivered

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Class Q barn conversion?

Class Q is a permitted development route that can allow certain agricultural buildings to be converted into homes without the need for a full planning application. There are specific criteria and limitations, so not every agricultural building or site will qualify. If you have a barn or agricultural building that you’re considering converting, we can assess whether Class Q may be an option and advise on the most appropriate route.

How do I know if my barn qualifies for Class Q?

There are several factors to consider, including the building’s existing and historic use, its location, the structural condition and extent of works required and whether the proposal falls within the requirements and limitations of Class Q. We recommend starting with a feasibility assessment before investing in a full design or application.

Do I need planning permission for a Class Q barn conversion?

Class Q is a permitted development route, but you will normally need to make a Prior Approval application to the Local Planning Authority before the conversion can go ahead. We can prepare and manage the application on your behalf and coordinate the supporting information required. You can also read more about our Planning Consultancy service.

What happens if my barn doesn’t qualify for Class Q?

Class Q isn’t the only route for converting a barn. Depending on the building, its location and the relevant planning policies, there may still be an opportunity to pursue a conversion through a full planning application. You can read more about our Barn Conversion service, or we can review your site and advise on the options available.

Can you design the barn conversion as well as deal with the Class Q application?

Yes. We can help from the initial feasibility and Class Q assessment through to the design, application, Building Regulations, technical design and construction stages. Our Barn Conversion service covers the wider design and development of both traditional and modern agricultural buildings.

Will I need Building Regulations approval for a Class Q barn conversion?

Yes. Class Q deals with the planning status of the conversion; it does not remove the need to comply with Building Regulations. Once Prior Approval has been secured, we can prepare the Building Regulations and technical drawings needed to take the project towards construction.

I’m thinking about buying a barn – can you assess it before I commit?

Yes. If you’ve found a barn or agricultural building that you’re considering buying, we can review the site and its potential before you commit to the purchase. We can look at whether Class Q may be an option, identify potential planning or site constraints and advise whether further feasibility work would be worthwhile.