Barns and rural buildings wanted in Runcorn
We want to hear from owners of barns and rural buildings in Runcorn. There is nothing to pay us, and you are under no obligation.
Barns and rural buildings can sometimes become homes through conversion or, in some cases, replacement. In England, Class Q permitted development allows certain agricultural buildings to change to residential use; in Wales the route is through a planning application. We buy suitable buildings in both nations.
- Size
- Single barns to farmyards
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
Is your land in Runcorn the kind we want?
We look at barns and rural yards around Runcorn and give a straight view on whether conversion or replacement is realistic. Runcorn lies about 12 miles north-east of Chester in Cheshire. We also cover Widnes, Halewood, Huyton and the villages between them.
- Traditional brick or stone barns
- Modern agricultural buildings that may suit Class Q (England)
- Stable blocks, workshops and rural yards
- Buildings with an existing access to a road
Cheshire includes Chester, Warrington, the Mersey towns of Widnes, Runcorn and Ellesmere Port, the mid-Cheshire salt towns and affluent towns such as Wilmslow and Macclesfield. A large part of the north and east of the county is Green Belt, so grey belt, previously developed land and infill are important there. In the south, around Crewe and Nantwich, more edge-of-town greenfield land and farmland comes forward.
What decides whether a site in Runcorn works
Planning route
In England, Class Q prior approval may apply to agricultural buildings; in Wales, a full application is usually needed.
Protected species
Bats and barn owls are common in rural buildings and need surveys at the right time of year.
Access and services
Rural buildings often need new access, drainage and power.
National policy in England now recognises "medium development" of 10 to 49 homes on sites up to 2.5 hectares, and asks councils to allocate at least 10% of their housing on sites of one hectare or less and a further 10% on sites of one to 2.5 hectares.
Though we are based in Birmingham (roughly 65 miles away), distance is no barrier: we look at land across England and Wales.
How we could buy your land in Runcorn
Subject-to-planning contract
Common: we seek consent or prior approval and complete if successful.
Subject-to-planning contractWhat happens after you get in touch
Send the basics
A postcode or plan and a few lines about the land are enough to start.
We do the homework
We check planning history, policy, flood maps and access at no cost to you.
We explain the options
You get a written proposal covering price, structure and timing.
Agree and proceed
Once you are happy, solicitors are instructed and the deal moves forward.
Frequently asked in Cheshire
Can a steel-framed barn become a home?
In England it may, under Class Q, if it meets the conditions. Whether it is worth doing depends on the building, access and location.
Do bats stop a barn conversion?
Not usually, but surveys and mitigation are needed, and survey seasons can affect timing.
How quickly can you look at a site in Runcorn?
For most sites we can give an initial view once we have the location and a plan. Detailed checks follow if the land looks suitable.
Do I need to pay anything to have land in Runcorn assessed?
No. Our appraisal is free and there is no obligation to sell to us.