A former agricultural building in a Norfolk village could be turned into six houses thanks to planning red tape being cut.

The large barn at Wood Farm, Plumstead Road, in Edgefield, near Holt, could soon be converted into homes.

Wood Farm, run by Chris and Dianna Jacobs, is currently the site of eight self-catering holiday cottages.

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Wood Farm site, EdgefieldWood Farm site, Edgefield (Image: Google) Plans have now been lodged with North Norfolk District Council to transform the existing footprint of an existing asbestos-clad steel building into six homes.

Earlier this year new legislation was introduced that slashed red tape by allowing the transformation of disused buildings into houses.

Updated Class Q legislation allows for up to 10 dwellings to be created on any agricultural unit.

The maximum number of units has increased from five to 10.

The amount of space that can be converted has also increased to 1,000 sqm. 

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The plans The plans (Image: NNDC)

A planning document states: "We are proposing no demolition and complete utilisation of the existing structure without affecting the external appearance, we have proposed new windows, doors and replacement of cladding which are reasonable necessary works and considered acceptable as part of the prior approval process.

"The existing structure as per engineers recommendation is capable of taking these amendments permitted under Class Q."

It adds: "By adhering and complying to the new Class Q criteria and standards, this project not only enhances the functionality of the structure but also contributes positively to the local community."

On 30 April, the government made The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2024 to bring in the changes.

The revised version of Class Q permits the conversion of the following to a dwellinghouse: a building that is part of an established agricultural unit and any land within that building’s curtilage, or a former agricultural building that was (but is no longer) part of an established agricultural unit and any land within that building’s curtilage.