Change of use of Barn to Commercial Storage in Maldon, Essex
Image by Kent Griffiths
We are delighted to announce that our application for prior approval approval for the change of use of a barn to a commercial unit, near Maldon, Essex.
This approval marks a significant milestone in transforming an underutilised agricultural building into a flexible commercial storage facility, demonstrating how thoughtful planning can breathe new life into rural structures whilst respecting the countryside setting.
The Proposal
Our application sought prior approval for the change of use of an existing agricultural barn to Class B8 storage use under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class R of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.
The building, which spans approximately 440 square metres, was originally constructed as an agricultural barn and has remained in agricultural use since its approval in 2006.
The proposed storage facility will support our client’s property business operations, providing essential space for materials and equipment.
Addressing Key Planning Considerations
Securing this approval required careful navigation of several critical planning matters, each of which was comprehensively addressed in our application.
Transport and Highway Safety - The existing single-track access from Maldon Road raised initial concerns regarding vehicular movements. However, we provided evidence to confirmed that the proposal would not adversely impact highway safety, capacity, or efficiency. The reduced frequency of vehicle movements compared to agricultural use was a key factor in satisfying these concerns.
Flood Risk Management - Perhaps the most complex challenge was addressing the site's location within Flood Zone 3a, an area of high flood risk. We submitted a comprehensive Flood Risk Assessment that proposed robust mitigation measures, including flood-resistant building finishes, a Water Entry Strategy to manage floodwater safely, and a detailed Flood Event Action Plan. The assessment demonstrated that the development would not increase flood risk on or off-site, satisfying the stringent requirements of Policy D5 of the Local Development Plan.
Environmental Impacts - We successfully demonstrated that noise impacts would be minimal given the barn's rural location.
Contamination and Site Safety - Building on assessments from previous applications, we confirmed there were no contamination concerns at the site, with Environmental Health Officers satisfied with this conclusion.
How We Can Help You Succeed
Whether you're looking to convert agricultural buildings or explore permitted development opportunities for your property, we have the expertise to guide you through the process.
Our success here demonstrates our ability to address technical planning challenges, engage effectively with statutory consultees, and secure approvals even in sensitive locations. If you have a rural property with untapped potential or a challenging planning scenario, we'd love to discuss how we can help you achieve similar success.
Contact us today to discuss your planning needs and discover how we can turn your property ambitions into reality.
