# Paddock House, Paddock Lane, Audlem (Class Q, 1 dwelling)

- **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
- **Tags:** tier-2, prior-approval, class-q, hibbitt, framework-not-cited

## 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
- **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
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6009894
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/29bcf203-1084-49c1-8834-dfc9560233bc

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6009894.html

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