Arbor Planning: barn conversion specialist review
Costs verified against BCIS Online (May 2026 release) and ONS Construction Output Price Index, April 2026. Class Q rules current to the 21 May 2025 GPDO amendment.
Arbor Planning is a rural planning specialist focusing on class q, agricultural-to-residential casework and full planning applications outside settlement boundaries. Coverage: England-wide with regional focus.
What they do
Rural planning specialist focusing on Class Q, agricultural-to-residential casework and full planning applications outside settlement boundaries. Verified against their published website Arbor Planning as at 21 June 2026.
Fee model
Arbor Planning does not publish a fee scale on its website. Engagement is quote-on-enquiry. We do not infer rates for quote-only firms; ask for a written fee scope before instructing.
When to instruct
- Borderline Class Q where refusal risk is material and an experienced consultant adds win probability.
- Full planning in a sensitive landscape (AONB, Green Belt, listed setting).
- Multi-unit farmstead schemes inside the 10-dwelling / 1,000 m² cap.
When not
- Simple Class Q on a sound single barn in an unrestricted area; a competent local architect may be enough.
- Pure construction-cost questions; that is QS work, not planning consultancy.
Sources cited on this page