Class Q barn conversions, farm diversification

The team at OCR Architecture have a proven track record in designing sensitive but beautifully detailed Class Q barn conversions throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the wider south-west.

Our focus on using a combination of natural local materials and contemporary detailing ensures that a barn can be beautifully converted and crafted into a bespoke home or holiday accommodation.

Class Q Barns and agricultural tied dwellings

Class Q barn conversions provide an opportunity both to create a home in a wonderful rural setting but also for farmers to diversify in a response to the ever changing and challenging pressures they face. The NFU recently commissioned a report stating that Over 60% of UK Farms have carried out a form of diversification in a model which is only set to continue.

OCR Architecture has a wealth of experience working with our farming community through providing and delivering sustainable additions to existing farms.

class Q barn conversion contemporary design conrwall

Agricultural tied dwellings

The design and delivery of agricultural tied dwellings requires a combination of an understanding of the restrictions associated with this form is planning route, along with a good relationship with the farmer and the farming consultant who will supply the supporting financial information.

As a practice we are well versed in working with agricultural consultants and farmers to ensure that we understand what is needed in terms of accommodation as well as working to ensure that minimal disruption occurs to the farm's every day operational use.

Agricultural tied dwellings come in two forms; worker's accommodation or manager's accommodation. These two forms provide varying opportunities for a scale of building to reflect the need of both types of workers. Being able to understand these restrictions and therefore designing an appropriate response is critical in ensuring that the planning process is as simple and efficient as possible.

Farm diversification

As well as Class Q and agricultural tied dwellings, many farms are finding the need to diversify to reflect ever-changing income generation pressures. The conversion of redundant farm buildings or the development of new buildings to provide holiday accommodation or multigenerational living on the farm is an emerging area of expertise in the practice. OCR Architecture has developed a good relationship and understanding with the local planning authorities in North Devon and Torridge to help them deliver designs that can be supported by the LPA to enable this solution.

This understanding of the dual pressures of retaining the agricultural use and providing these new residential or tourist accommodation units is critical to ensure that you do not inadvertently design accommodation that cannot be supported due to considerations such as livestock, odour or animal welfare.