By almost doubling the building’s usable area, we designed this stylish and contemporary barn conversion near Tamworth.

Set back from the road and backing onto open countryside, the barn feels very private and rural. A class Q planning consent was also granted before the purchase was made.

The consent determined that the barn could be converted into a residential dwelling without prior approval. The former owner had proposed converting the house into a modest two-bedroom home. The barn presented a vast potential for our clients to achieve much more.

Approval of the entire planning process

Updated proposals were submitted to the planning officers under a full planning application, given the fallback position of the class Q approval. Using this proposal, the building could be utilized to its fullest potential. A small extension was added to form a double garage and link to the house. Despite its countryside location and former agricultural use, this principle was justified to the planning officer with the class Q approval, as the principle of residential use had already been established.

By maximizing the views and open space, the new design created a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining space and almost doubled the building’s usable space. It resulted in three good-sized en-suite bedrooms, a large open-plan living area, and ancillary spaces like a study and utility room added to the proposed modest two-bedroom conversion.

Lichfield District Council approved this new larger design in October 2018. The garage was converted into a fourth bedroom after it was completed in 2020, and a separate detached garage was erected.

The result is a gorgeous rural home transformed from a rundown agricultural shed.