A large barn in Oxfordshire could be converted into 10 homes if plans are permitted. 

Developer Laxton Properties wants to convert the building at Oakwood House in Fritwell Road near Somerton about six miles from Bicester.  

The scheme, submitted to Cherwell District Council, would see the barn become two three-bedroom homes and eight two-bedroom homes. 

The homes would include an open plan family kitchen and dining room with two car parking spaces each. 

The application has been submitted using Class Q which is a form of permitted development that allows for the conversion of agricultural buildings into up to five homes. 

READ MORE: Six new homes on former Oxfordshire play area to be decided

Somerton barn plans (Image: Cherwell District Council) The conversion can include the change of use of the building and the land within its curtilage, and the building operations needed to convert it. However, Class Q does not allow for the replacement of the building.

In the application's planning statement, it said: “The application site forms part of a wider established agricultural unit known as ‘Dovecote Farm’, principally comprising five functional agricultural barns of varying sizes with ancillary yard space. The redline application boundary of the submitted scheme relates solely to a single barn that forms part of this wider complex, its curtilage, and highway access. 

“The barn proposed for conversion is wholly functional in style, with a multi-pitched steel corrugated roof, corrugated upper walls on top of breeze blocks and sliding doors. The building sits on a substantial concrete slab which extends beyond the footprint of the barn. 

“The works required to convert the barn include the installation of additional wall panels and cladding, replacement roof, fenestration in the form of extensive glass openings, and internal fitting out works to accommodate the proposed residential units. 

“Importantly, no element of the proposed building operations to facilitate the change of use are so significant as to comprise a ‘rebuilding’ of the original structure as opposed to a conversion. 

“Specifically, the key structural components of the barn will be retained and utilised by the conversion works, which can be accommodated without the need for significant structural works beyond the scope and provision of the rights afforded by Class Q.”

It added: “The scheme has been designed with view to retaining a clear sense of the original agricultural character of the barn, with according facing material selection. This namely includes the incorporation of vertical timber cladding to external walls, and profiled metal cladding material. 

“The barn is currently within agricultural use and has been for several years prior to July 2023. 

“It is utilised for the keeping of livestock and storage of farm equipment and the barn therefore meets the requirements to be considered as an agricultural building under Class Q.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby