A leading rural surveyor in Shropshire says the county’s abundance of disused agricultural buildings could become state-of-the-art housing, mirroring a growing national trend.
Paul Madeley, whose firm, Madeleys in Much Wenlock, hit the national headlines last year for selling a dilapidated cottage for twice the asking price, said increasing numbers of applications were coming through to transform the industrial structures.
He said transformations would bring a huge boost to the county and could become as prevalent as barn conversions.
“With property prices and sales breaking all records, it’s no wonder people are looking to maximise every asset available to them,” said Paul, who has planning applications in across the region.
“The trend started in the south east but it’s definitely spreading. Given the number on our books it’s certainly a growing trend to convert ugly grain stores into the most modern of homes, as long as they hang onto that industrial feel.”
Paul said he hoped county planners would spot the potential to help create ‘landmark’ building opportunities.
“There are huge changes ahead for farming businesses with reductions and changes to agricultural subsidies and everyone is looking at opportunities to diversify their business,” he explained. “It’s only natural they should turn their attention to outbuildings and stores which have the potential to become something more, as well as enable younger generations to stay on the property.”
He pointed to a headline-grabbing conversion project in Norfolk – BlueSky Barn – which had set the bar.
“You only need to look at the pictures of BlueSky Barn in Norfolk to see what an incredible job the owners have done in transforming an eyesore into a grand design,” Paul explained.
“Shropshire is blessed with thousands of agricultural buildings such as grain stores, some in good use but others in a state of disrepair. If we want to help solve the issues of housing while making the most of existing structures then this is a great way of going about it.”
BlueSky Barn architect Will Burges added: “Industrial farm shed conversions are a small but growing niche market. The irony is it is quite hard to get consent for a pretty little house, but people are suddenly realising you can get consent for a big house in a village this way.
“If a shed exists, planners can’t deny it exists. And there are lots of big sheds lying empty. These things offer enormous footprints for houses. They look familiar. They are on the edge of listed villages but you don’t really see them. They have a sort of stealthy quality. We quite like that. They are remarkably good to convert.”
Madeleys Chartered Surveyors can help landowners secure planning permission, apply for grants as well as give valuations and general advice. To find out more visit madeleys.co.uk, call 01952 727007 or email [email protected]