Extensions to Permitted Development Rights from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has helped many of our clients achieve planning permission for the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use. The amended development right for the change of use of agricultural buildings to provide up to five new homes allows for: up to "three larger homes within a maximum of 465 square metres"; or up to "five smaller homes each no larger than 100 square metres"; or "a mix of both, within a total of no more than five homes, of which no more than three may be larger homes." The rights are subject to conditions and limitations to control impact and to protect local amenity. The previous Class Q permitted development right allowed agricultural-to-residential conversion but only up to three units and a maximum floorspace of 450 square metres. A further change to permitted development rights were introduced to help farmers adopt the latest innovations in modern farming practices by increasing the size limit of new agricultural buildings on larger farms from 465 square metres to 1,000 square metres. The regulations came into force on 6 April 2018 and support the MHCLG’s focus on making the most effective use of land or buildings.