Rural homes are getting a helping hand due to the government taking the initiative to lift restrictions on converting former agricultural and unused buildings into affordable family living accommodation.
Residents living in the countryside and rural communities can now take advantage of the new development legislation, which has increased the number of redundant farm buildings permitted to be converted into residential homes.
Previously there was a restriction where only a total of three farm dwellings could be turned into new homes, but as of April 2018, this has been raised to five. The government has also extended by an extra year the length of time applicants can have to complete the conversion of more storage and outbuildings.
Change in rules will help boost local housing
The government’s target for housebuilders to create around 300,000 new homes per annum needs to include rural as well as urban communities. By creating more development opportunities through converting a higher number of neglected farm buildings, it will help to boost local employment and economies, in addition to increasing the volume of homes available to buy for local residents, particularly young families.
Minister of State for Housing, Dominic Raab MP, said: “These new measures will give rural communities greater options to convert agricultural buildings into family homes to address local housing requirements. The conversion of agricultural dwellings enables many new homes to be built every year and these important changes will help to increase this.”
Farmers will benefit against Brexit losses
“This innovative measure is welcome against the backdrop of Brexit, allowing farmers and landowners to make full use of their property assets and guard against the impact of losing subsidies under the EU by developing dormant properties and benefiting both the landscape and local people,” Raab added.
