Last year, Artisan was successful in obtaining of a prior approval under Class R of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), enabling the change of use of an agricultural building to a 35-bedroom hotel.
The Project
The site, previously used for agricultural purposes, is planned to undergo a transformative change to create a stylish 35-bed hotel. This approval exemplifies the potential of rural buildings to be repurposed under the flexibility afforded by Class R regulations, supporting rural economic diversification and enhancing local hospitality offerings.
Planning Challenges
Class R permits certain agricultural buildings to transition into commercial use, including hotels, subject to prior approval criteria. Key planning considerations for this project included ensuring:
• The site’s suitability for the proposed use.
• Adequate access.
• Compatibility with the surrounding area in terms of noise, flood risk, and highways/transport.
Our team worked closely with the local planning authority to address these matters comprehensively, demonstrating how the proposal would respect its rural surroundings while delivering a valuable new facility.
Next Steps
With prior approval granted, the project can now progress toward detailed design which will be presented in an application for full planning permission for ‘associated operational development’ – as defined in the GPDO. It is our client’s hope that the hotel will offer a unique countryside experience for guests, contributing to the local economy and creating new job opportunities.
We are thrilled to have played a role in unlocking the potential of this site and look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.
If you have a similar project in mind, we’d be delighted to discuss how we can assist in achieving your goals.
