Dutch Barn Conversion for Duchy of Lancaster
Thomas Studio was commissioned by the Duchy of Lancaster to unlock the planning potential of a 1920s Dutch barn located at Forest Road Farm in Draycott in the Clay, East Staffordshire. This prestigious Dutch Barn Conversion for Duchy of Lancaster commission demonstrates our established reputation as industry leaders in heritage barn conversions and rural development projects.
The Challenge
The existing Dutch barn, constructed in the 1920s-30s, held significant agricultural heritage value but had become unsuitable for modern farming operations. The Duchy of Lancaster sought to retain this important rural landmark while creating beneficial use through residential conversion. The project required navigating complex planning policies for development outside settlement boundaries, requiring specialist expertise in rural planning regulations.
Our Approach
Thomas Studio developed a comprehensive Dutch barn strategy that respected the building’s heritage while creating a high-quality residential dwelling. Our approach included:
Pre-Application Consultation: We conducted thorough pre-application discussions with East Staffordshire Borough Council, securing positive feedback and a clear pathway to planning approval before formal submission.
Heritage-Led Design: The conversion retained the Dutch barn’s essential character, maintaining its distinctive hooped roof form and three-bay structure while introducing carefully positioned openings and a lightweight timber frame within the existing iron framework.
Sustainable Integration: The scheme incorporated modern sustainable technologies including solar panels, air source heat pump, and sewage treatment systems, while ensuring these additions complemented rather than compromised the rural aesthetic.
Key Design Features
- Structural Integrity: Working with structural engineers to demonstrate the building’s capability for conversion without substantial reconstruction
- Material Palette: Combining charred timber cladding, corrugated sheeting, and engineered brick to create a contemporary rural aesthetic
- Landscape Strategy: Native hedgerow restoration and strategic tree planting to enhance biodiversity and integrate the development into the countryside setting
- Access and Parking: Carefully designed access arrangements with appropriate visibility splays and parking provision
Planning Success
The application progressed smoothly through the planning system, with the council recognising the quality of our submission and the positive contribution to rural housing provision. Key planning considerations successfully addressed included:
- Compliance with policies for rural building re-use
- Highway safety and access arrangements
- Ecology and protected species considerations
- Landscape and visual impact assessment
- Sustainable design and energy efficiency
Project Outcome
Planning permission was granted in March 2024, validating our strategic Dutch barn development approach and overall design quality. The approved scheme creates a 3-bedroom dwelling that preserves an important agricultural Dutch barn building while providing high-quality rural accommodation.
This project exemplifies Thomas Studio’s expertise in navigating the complex planning landscape for rural Dutch barn conversions, combining deep understanding of heritage considerations with contemporary design excellence. Our established track record with prestigious clients like the Duchy of Lancaster demonstrates why we’re consistently chosen for challenging rural development projects across the UK. (Source)
Project Details:
- Client: Duchy of Lancaster
- Location: Forest Road Farm, Draycott in the Clay, East Staffordshire
- Planning Authority: East Staffordshire Borough Council
- Planning Permission: Granted March 2024
- Project Value: Confidential
Thomas Studio specialises in high-quality rural Dutch barn developments for discerning clients. Contact us to discuss how we can unlock the potential of your rural property.
