An ongoing barn conversion project in Solihull has encountered further complications after local planners refused retrospective approval, following enforcement intervention.
The applicant, Jaskaran Singh, had initially commenced the conversion of a barn into a residential dwelling at The Barn on Knowle Road. This followed the granting of a prior notification approval under Class Q permitted development rights by Solihull Council in 2021. The conversion work began in 2023.
However, construction was stopped by council enforcement officers after concerns arose about deviations from the approved plans. In particular, the as-built dwelling was noted to be larger than the original approved drawings.
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Supporting documentation submitted with a new application in 2025 stated: “The approved agricultural building conversion to a detached residential dwelling was under construction, and works were halted by an enforcement officer, primarily due to concerns the as-built detached residential dwelling was noted as being larger than the approved drawings.”
The statement further clarified that Class Q rights allow for building operations reasonably necessary for conversion, including alterations affecting external appearance such as installation or replacement of windows, doors, roofs, and essential services needed for the building to function as a dwelling.
The primary purpose of submitting a full planning application was to secure formal approval for the development as constructed.
Despite this, Mark Andrews, Solihull Council’s Head of Planning, Design and Engagement Service, issued a refusal decision last month. The decision highlighted that the constructed dwelling, replacing a smaller agricultural building, constitutes inappropriate development within the Green Belt.
Mr Andrews noted that “no very special circumstances have been demonstrated to outweigh the harm,” emphasizing that the design and scale of the building introduced “an incongruous and harmful addition within the established road,” causing significant damage to the rural character and appearance of the area.
Moreover, the as-built boundary walls, pillars, and gates at the vehicular entrance on Knowle Road were described as positioned in a highly prominent location. Their height, appearance, and location were deemed to introduce a discordant and urbanising feature detrimental to the rural streetscape.
As a result of the refusal, the applicant must either revert the development to the originally approved scheme or face potential enforcement action. There remains the option to appeal the decision to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.
The rejected planning application can be reviewed by searching for reference PL/2025/00341/PPFL on the Solihull Council public access website at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.