DLP Planning Ltd (DLP) have secured planning and listed building consent for the residential conversion of a curtilage listed agricultural barn in Keysoe, Bedford Borough (The Council). This was a project undertaken in conjunction with Sanctuary Design Limited (Architect) who provided the detailed plans for the conversion of the building.

The scheme involved alterations to the barn and its grounds, which sits in the setting of a grade II listed farm house. This followed the design principles of a previous unimplemented approval for the conversion of the building into an ancillary office.  The works sought minor alterations to the internal layout and external appearance of the building to preserve the character and fabric of the building, where it was possible. Furthermore, the layout and surroundings of the site were designed to reflect the character of the group of farm buildings, retaining the internal courtyard between the barn and the farm house, whilst retaining land to the side and rear of the barn to provide a new private residential curtilage associated with the new dwelling.

DLP provided a robust planning argument for the merits and method of the conversion and engaged with the Council during pre-application discussions to agree to the principle of development, prior to the submission of an application. We also highlighted the benefits to the heritage asset through the renovation of the listed building, demonstrating a viable use of the asset whilst conserving the fabric of the building and the part it plays in the setting of the main listed farm house.