It’s many people’s dream to live in the country – with the lure of wide open spaces, long walks and a slower pace of life. Barn conversions are often thought of as a way to achieve this dream.

But getting traditional brick or stone barn conversions through the planning system was often a very painful and lengthy process. Then, in 2014, the government relaxed the rules. Now it’s possible to convert redundant agricultural and industrial buildings into homes much more simply, using permitted development rights.

This means we’re able to convert structures like open steel-framed barns without having to obtain planning permission. This gives us the opportunity to create fantastic contemporary, modern homes, so families really can live their dream in the country.

Barn Conversion in Oakham, Rutland, by David Granger Architectural Design

We can help with your barn conversion

Not only are we very experienced in designing beautiful barn conversions. When it comes to securing planning approval, we also have an enviable record of success. For clients who are new to the whole “planning” experience, it can seem daunting and sometimes even stressful. We are local planning experts and we will advise and guide you through the entire process.

Our approach to designing successful barn conversions

Our overriding principle when converting a barn to residential use is to retain the form of the original building as faithfully as possible. When a conversion is complete, it should still look and feel like a barn. Our approach is always to keep the design sensitive and appropriate to its surroundings. This approach is one the planners appreciate.

Don’t just take our word for it

Peter is a client of ours. He wanted to convert one of his barns to live in. Here’s his story:

Peter Byrne

Peter Byrne
West Hallam

We had a big farmhouse, but we sold it. We kept one of the barns and decided we would apply for planning permission to refurbish it as a three-bedroom barn conversion and go back to live in it.

My biggest concern was whether we’d get planning approval or not. If you don’t get planning, it doesn’t happen.

David was recommended to us as someone with experience in that sort of work, because we didn’t want just any old design, we wanted something special.

He came out and spent a good two-thirds of a day with me and my wife. He came to look at the farm, he looked at the barn, he talked to us about our aspirations and what we were expecting to get from it.

Then a couple of guys come out and took a load of photographs, and they did some drawings, and they were absolutely wonderful. We haven’t changed a thing. As soon as I saw it, I thought, that’s exactly what we want.

The biggest benefit to us was that design. We were very pleased with it. It looks really good.

We were also impressed with their efficiency on site; their accuracy; their ability to perform and send you decent plans with enough written information so everything can be understood, and tell you what the pitfalls might be.

The chap dealing with our plans was very good and his response was quick as well. We found them efficient, helpful and nice people to deal with.

We’ve now got planning permission as a result of their efforts. I would definitely use them again, no problem about that.

A recognised name

We’ve been designing barn conversions, homes and extensions in the East Midlands for over 30 years. The David Granger name is well known and respected in the region as a sign of great quality. And, as Peter said, we’re nice people to deal with.

Would you like to know more?

We understand that deciding on a barn conversion is not a simple choice. So we’ve created a guide that goes into much more detail, and answers all the questions you might have about the process. It’s a compilation of 30 years’ experience, and it’s free to you. Just click on the link below to receive it in your inbox.

Barn Conversions Guide Booklet by David Granger

Receive your FREE guide ‘Everything You Need to Know About Barn Conversions’ when you sign up to our mailing list.

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Want to talk about your barn conversion project?

If you would like a no-obligation chat about how we can help you get your barn conversion started, please call on 01530 560939 or contact us using the form below. We’ll get back to you to arrange an appointment with one of our designers.

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