- Decision
- allowed, 25 August 2026
- Decided by
- Planning Inspector: J Smith
- Authority
- Cheshire East (North West)
- Appeal reference
- 6009894
- Application reference
- 26/1059/PRIOR-3Q
- Procedure
- written representations
- Development
- Class Q prior approval to convert a timber agricultural building to a 3-bed single-storey dwelling with rear extension
- Homes
- 1
- Site context
- open countryside
- Green Belt
- No
- Framework applied
- No Framework version cited
- Determinative policies
- GPDO Sch2 Pt3 Class Q.1(j)
- Main issues
- whether the works are reasonably necessary for conversion
Summary
Class Q prior approval for a timber barn conversion at Audlem was allowed. Internal insulated blockwork was held to be primarily a thermal envelope, with only incidental structural support, so the works were not a rebuild under Hibbitt (DL ¶8-9, ¶13).
What made the difference
A structural report, and the site visit, showed the frame could stand without the blockwork (DL ¶9).
Policy findings
Policy codes are those of the National Planning Policy Framework (August 2026) unless a development plan is named.
| Policy | Finding | Weight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPDO Sch2 Pt3 Class Q.1(j) | pass | internal insulated blockwork is mainly a thermal envelope with incidental structural support; localised cladding repairs; not a rebuild under Hibbitt (DL 6-13) |
Key facts
- Structural report found the building capable of conversion; frame and slab seen in adequate condition on site (DL 7, 9-10)
- Framework not cited
Sources
This note is one of the decisions behind the NPPF 2026 Navigator, which shows how each Framework test has been applied across all the decisions in the database. Also available as Markdown.