A redundant grain silo and a steel frame barn are ways farmers and landowners are thinking outside the “loose” box when converting redundant agricultural buildings, under the recently updated Class Q prior notification system.

Charlotte Jacob associate land agent with Balfours, says that while full planning for five dwellings would cost in planning fees, in excess of £2,300, the cost under prior notification is just £96 for five dwellings. She explains: “Going for permitted development Class Q does stack up; not only financially but also in timeliness. While a full planning application decision can take more than two months, prior notification will take no more than 42 days from receipt.”

This year there are three key amendments - relating to increased area eligible for conversion, the ability to make significant interior revamps and removing references to structural strength - all serve to make Class Q permitted development rights even more attractive.

She adds: “Previously three dwellings were allowed not exceeding 450 square metres, however this year’s amendment are significant allowing up to five dwellings not exceeding a cumulative area of 865 square metres.”

According to Charlotte the new amendments could be greatly beneficial to farmers and landowners offering an opportunity to convert to residential without the expense of a full planning application – and to upcycle farm buildings not previously considered. The development does not have to be within the development boundary and the Local Planning authority has 42 days to make a decision.

She says:  “There are considerations, including that the site must have been in agricultural use since March 2013 and that the owner will be subject to limitations on their agricultural permitted development rights .”

“The key point is to seek professional advice so that you don’t overlook any small print. We all know barn conversions can contribute to meeting housing supply needs, which are much needed in rural areas; it is also an opportunity for farms and estates to diversify –providing the opportunity for a very different income stream, even from a redundant silo,” Charlotte concludes.

Old School House may have lost its playground, but instead boasts its very own swimming pool. This little piece of architectural social history is located in the sought after village of Acton Burnell, equi-distance to Shrewsbury and Church Stretton, while convenient to Telford and the Midlands too.

There are many wow factors and unique offerings within the characterful conversion, not least the former school room which today provides a spacious split level sitting room and dining room. Agent Scott Kemsley of Balfours says: “Anyone seeking a character home this is a wonderful opportunity; it does require some modernisation, giving the new occupant the opportunity to add their personal taste.”

The accommodation comprises of entrance hall, four reception rooms, kitchen, conservatory, three double bedrooms, with one en-suite a single bedroom and family bathroom. There is a double garage and log store.

The swimming pool is cloistered within mature gardens, plus vegetable patch and greenhouse. The property is located centrally within the village and enjoys its own approach and parking.  Local amenities are to be found within the village with private and state school available within a seven mile radius.

The Old School House is marketed by Balfours with a guide price of £425,000. Call Scott Kemsley on 01743 353511.

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A significant and hugely successful extension scheme is tucked behind this traditional 1930s pretty detached house.

“Step inside and you discover that it is anything but standard. Extensions to the side rear and first floors are a staggering achievement of reconfiguration and vision to provide perfect family accommodation suited to today’s modern lifestyles,” says Head of sales at Balfours, Alistair Hilton.

Situated half a mile from Shrewsbury town centre Westfiled, 9 Longden Road, is in a perfect location to enjoy the amenities of the town centre, river walks and Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park. It provides five bedrooms including the master suite with shower and dressing rooms – the latter being a real jewel with glass Juliet balcony.

The crown comes in the form of the open plan kitchen/entertaining area featuring horse shoe shaped island and two pairs of bi-fold glazed doors allowing light to flood in, this together with a vaulted ceiling with velux window over the dining area achieves a spectacular result. While the terrace offers immediate access to alfresco dining the garden is a wonderful backdrop shared with garden birds and butterflies.

From the reception hall there is a traditional reception room with bay window and a large lounge with impressive lantern roof and French doors. A utility, cloakroom, garage and summerhouse complete Westfield’s commendable assets are marketed by Balfours with a guide price of £650,000. For more information call Alistair Hilton on 01743 353511.

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A three bedroom home with a stone barn, summerhouse and several other outbuildings providing an open canvas for homework, or additional accommodation, is on the market with Balfours.

Oaken Barn is situated seven miles west of Shrewsbury in the rural hamlet of Stoney Stretton. The accommodation incorporates a contemporary kitchen with adjoining garden room. There is a snug and a living room with wood burner and Parquet floor. A utility and downstairs cloakroom completes the ground floor.

The first flight of stairs takes you to two bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master bedroom is on a raised first floor level, offering a degree of privacy. The large character room incorporates an en suite bathroom and dressing room.

Balfours agent, Charlie Giffard comments: “In addition to being a well presented house, Oaken Barn, has an excellent range of outbuildings which would satisfy many areas of work. Indeed there is lapsed planning on the main stone barn, so reinstatement is perfectly feasible.”

The nearby village of Pontesbury is two miles away and has a selection of shops and conveniences, as well a primary school and a secondary school. Welshpool is 12 miles and Telford 23 miles. Oaken Barn, which boasts an EPC rating of C, is marketed with a guide price of £550,000, call Balfours on 01743 353511.

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“I’m in my 60s can I take out a loan to make the farm viable for the next generation?” The short answer is yes, says Rory Galliers, Balfours partner and agent with AMC.

Long term cross generation loans are an important part of driving UK agriculture forward; AMC understand that farming is a long term commitment.

Providing there is a sound business plan age really doesn’t matter even if you are 60 or 80 years old you can still take out a loan with AMC because the loan can pass to the next generation. It maybe that the loan will pass to the next generation when certain criteria are met; alternatively, in the natural course of succession the whole business loan can then be transferred with minimal paperwork.

Whether it is to expand or upgrade the current farming business, AMC are able to provide short to longer term up to 30 year finance packages. Furthermore this might be a repayment loan or an interest only loan, according to the needs of the business at the time.

Key to our success working with AMC is that we not only understand that every farming business is different, but also that every family’s structure and needs are unique. There may be good reason for the older generation to take out a loan, it could be that a son or daughter intends to return after pursuing a career elsewhere. Conversely situations also arise where the younger generation would like to be involved and it is taken as a joint loan, again with a long term view of that loan progressing with succession.

The farm can also be faced with paying out a working partner, or an inheritance debt, both of which can be significant sums to find and without the aid of a loan could mean selling land or other farm assets.

Another example is where adjoining land comes up for sale, something that usually only happens once in a lifetime. The fact that you are in your 60s should not preclude you taking the opportunity. Finally we understand the natural peaks and troughs of a typical farming business which means planning for growth must be over the long term – despite the fact that the long term remains a live and moving target.

Have you ever fancied living within parkland setting and not only enjoying the benefits of 17 acres to walk and cycle through – but sipping wine produced within the residents’ vineyard?

This dream is a reality at The Blacksmiths – a ground floor property originally built in 1811 – now providing a three bedroom, high quality development at Apley Park, which is near equi-distance from Telford and Bridgnorth.

On the market with Balfours, Ludlow sales manager, Scott Kemsley comments: “This conversion has been tastefully and thoughtfully conceived achieving spacious rooms boasting original features which are naturally well lit.”

The Blacksmiths is approached via a mile long private drive, through the glorious Apley Park landscape which is partially bound by the River Severn. The Blacksmiths provides a kitchen dining room, a spacious living room with wood burning stove. There is a master bedroom with en-suite, two additional double bedrooms and family bathroom; two of the bedrooms have fitted wardrobes.

And to the vineyard, it extends to one acre and now in its third year is just coming to production. Says Scott: “The vineyard is owned and run by the residents of Apley Park Management, so the option and opportunity is there to get involved. In addition The Blacksmiths has its own gardens to the front and rear, plus private parking. The property is marketed with a guide price of £440,000. Call Balfours on 01584 707100.

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