Councils are warning that rural communities risk missing out on vital local services because of a surge of almost 225 per cent in homes converted from barns and farm buildings in the past five years.
Latest figures show 734 homes in England were created by agricultural to residential conversions in 2019/20 under permitted development rights – where full planning permission is not required – compared with 226 in 2015/16.
Under these planning laws, developers are not required to contribute towards local infrastructure, such as roads, schools and GP surgeries, nor do they have to provide any affordable housing.
The LGA says it is concerned that rural areas could be missing out on these essential local services and is calling on government to revoke the nationally prescribed permitted development right.
Devon saw the highest number of agricultural buildings turned into homes in 2019/20, with 127 conversions, followed by Dorset (73), Kent (68), Northamptonshire (33) and Essex (30).
Cllr David Renard, LGA Housing Spokesperson said: “It is a growing concern that we are seeing more and more barns and farm buildings in rural areas turned into homes without planning permission.
“Residents in any area need to have the support of strong infrastructure in place, whether that is schools, surgeries or adequate road networks. If developers are not obliged to provide any of these, then there is a real risk some communities could miss out on these vital services.”