Do I need planning permission to convert stables into a house?

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to understanding permitted development rights for stable conversions. Being careless could result in fines, work being undone, and a whole lot of wasted money.

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Before you start transforming any outbuildings, understanding what planning permission you need to convert stables into a house is a good idea. The last thing you want to do is start work and realise half way through you don't have the proper paperwork. Being careless could result in fines, work being undone, and a whole lot of wasted money.

To avoid this, read on for everything you need to know about converting stables into a house.

Do I need planning permission to convert stables into a house?

The short answer is: yes.

Stables are classed as equestrian buildings, and you must get permission to change their use.

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New permitted development rights for agricultural buildings from 2019

The rules for agricultural buildings in the UK changed on the 6th of April 2018. The new rules now allow homeowners to build five new homes in existing agricultural buildings. However, stables are not classed as agricultural buildings, so you will need to consult a professional to get planning permission.

However, if you have a barn that has been used for agricultural purposes, you can convert it within the permitted development rights.

The Barn Conversion clause in Part 3 of the Second Schedule of the General Permitted Development Order authorises a change of use of a building and any land within its curtilage from use as an agricultural building to a use falling within Class C3 – dwellings. It also authorises building operations that are ‘reasonably’ necessary to convert the building to residential use.

Permitted development checklist

To make sure you're following the rules, make sure the following apply to you:

The site you want to convert must have been used solely for agricultural means
The barn or stable must have existed on the 20th of March 2013. This means you can't just build a barn and convert it for the aesthetics. Any new barns you build need to exist as agricultural buildings for at least 10 years before you can transform them into a home
The square footage of your floor space is no more than 465m². You can't make it any bigger than that. However, you can divide than square footage into five separate dwellings
If the site is subject to an agricultural tenancy, landowners must have the express consent of their tenants