A living countryside has to be able to grow
The delivery of new housing in the UK is firmly focused on urban areas.
However it is important for the future survival of our rural villages and hamlets that we achieve sustainable growth in the countryside too.
Shropshire is a rural county, agriculture and other rural businesses are important for the local economy and providing places for people to live to support those businesses, protect our village schools and pubs is encouraged in the right circumstances, despite what the nimbys might say.
The introduction of permitted development rights for the change of use of agricultural buildings to dwellings and the build your own affordable home scheme, have been a successful vehicle for delivering new rural housing in Shropshire over recent years.
A number of on-farm opportunities for residential development exist. Permitted development rights allow the conversion of up to 450 square metres of suitable agricultural buildings to up to three dwellings on farm.
There are still opportunities for the residential conversion of traditional buildings considered to be a heritage asset and the conversion of existing rural buildings for sustainable live-work proposals; perhaps if you’re planning a diversification enterprise that needs new commercial floor space.
The traditional route to new on-farm dwellings has always been the agricultural need for farm worker, particularly on livestock farms for animal welfare reasons. This is also available to other types of rural businesses that can demonstrate an essential need to be on site, year-round and at most times of the day and night.
For start-up businesses, there is the temporary dwelling option, which will allow the siting of a caravan or log cabin type structure on site for a period of three years, while you get established. The aim is to be able to justify a permanent dwelling at the end of the 3 years.
For older children, wanting to stay and work at home, extensions and annexes to existing residential properties could be an option or a caravan in the garden. Providing the use remains ancillary to the farmhouse, this is allowed under permitted development and might just get them from under your feet, until they want their washing done!
Most new residential development in Shropshire is liable for Community Infrastructure Levy and affordable housing contributions. This may have a bearing on which option is right for you.
It’s not always a straightforward process but there may well be solutions to the problems providing you jump through the right hoops, at the right time and in the right order!
Melanie Holt is a rural chartered surveyor, agricultural valuer and planning consultant with Moule & Co.
