Specialist Building Control for Agricultural Buildings

Agrarian offer specialist building control services for agricultural buildings, ensuring that all aspects of compliance are met within a timely and cost-effective manner.

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Not all agricultural buildings require building control, as there are subtle nuances that differentiate agricultural buildings from other types of buildings. Agrarian can undertake the evaluation of these nuances that determine whether building control is necessary. We will work closely with you to determine what your end goal and use for the agricultural building is, and to determine what building control is necessary, if any. We will also advise and guide you through certain requirements that will help give you opportunities in the future for the repurposing of agricultural buildings, which will help to alleviate potential future costs and time.

If building control is required for your agricultural building, Agrarian will make sure all aspects of compliance are met within a timely and cost-effective manner.

Navigating UK Planning Regulations for Agricultural Buildings

Experts in UK Planning Regulations for Agricultural Buildings

UK planning regulations for agricultural buildings cover a wide range of building types within the agricultural sector, from storage buildings and livestock housing to processing buildings for goods produced. When it comes to receiving planning approval from local authorities for projects relating to agricultural buildings, we consider all possible applicable regulations that will need to be followed once construction is complete. This is the main difference between building control and planning regulations; planning regulations consider the principle of the proposed plans for construction, whilst building control tackles technical aspects of the building.

Over 20 Years of Experience in Agricultural Planning and Building Control

We make sure that, where needed, building control can and will be followed with the plans we design and build, thus making sure there is no need for sudden changes after completion of construction. Agrarian has offered planning and building control for agricultural buildings for over 20 years, which gives us an invaluable amount of experience and knowledge of the best approach to tackling building control and planning issues whilst fulfilling the wants of our clients.

One way that allows us to be so successful in the management of building control and planning for agricultural buildings is our great working relationships with many local authorities within the UK, and understanding what information they will need, giving us opportunities to be proactive to make sure every step is seamless and achieved as quickly as possible.

"We are very happy with the service received, Peter was great throughout, very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. They explained the process and kept us updated throughout."

— Alice, Axe Valley Veterinary Practice
“Would be more than happy to have Agrarian again for any future project work, or to recommend to others. The exotic wards especially have been an excellent addition.”

— Sarah, Byre Veterinary Surgery
"The final design solution that was constructed has helped the clinical team and the business; we are happy with the service provided by Agrarian."

— Nick, Cliffe Vets

Structural Compliance and Planning Regulations in Conversion of Agricultural Buildings

Converting an agricultural building can be faced with strict and complex regulations depending on the use of the conversion. When converting agricultural buildings, there are a variety of different building controls that need to be followed, which are dependent on the use of the conversion.

A common example is the conversion from a large storage barn into a residential building; this may seem a straightforward process, however many different building control rules need to be followed when doing this. One detail that is sometimes overlooked is the use of specific steel beams, as steel beams required for building control-compliant residential use are different in strength and composition from those used in agricultural buildings. It is reasons like this; we like to plan for all eventualities and talk to the client to understand their current requirements for agricultural building as well as provide them with easier opportunities for future conversion if needed, whilst saving them time and money.

Our ability to receive complete verification and approval from building control for any agricultural building is second to none, along with our 95% success rate in receiving planning approval whilst also achieving full compliance, making sure that there is no need for any retrofitting once construction is completed. Agrarian has been successful in this for every type of agricultural building imaginable, from grain and food storage, complex livestock handling, crop processing and machinery storage areas with full mechanical diagnostic facilities.

4 Steps to Work With Agrarian

We start by understanding your needs, your expectations, and your constraints: from site limitations and budget to clinical workflows and future growth plans.
Our team translates your needs into layouts, specifications, and visuals, refining each decision around minimal disruption & long-term operational efficiency.
We will make planning & building control applications, RPA compliance and Practice Standards Scheme requirements, so that every stakeholder is aligned, allowing approvals to land on time without surprises.
From construction oversight to final handover, we coordinate trades, troubleshoot on-site, and provide support throughout each project, ensuring both time and cost controls are in place and followed.

From first conversation to final handover, our process is designed to keep you informed, in control and confident at every stage. Here’s what to expect.

Why Choose Agrarian Veterinary Architecture?

Agrarian was first established in October 2000. We started with residential projects. Over time our knowledge and experience grew. We now offer services in areas such as Equestrian, Commercial, Veterinary and many more. Agrarian is committed to offering the best service available and will work closely with clients and developers to ensure an efficient, seamless and desirable outcome.

From small animal clinics and referral hospitals to livestock barns and equestrian arenas, we design and deliver facilities built around the animals, workflows, and people that use them.
Briefing, design, costing, planning, building control, on-site delivery, and project and construction management all sit under one roof. Making it that much easier to go from concept to completion.
We know what RCVS Practice Standards demand, how infection control influences material choices, when and where different levels of radiation protection are required, what drainage an equestrian arena actually needs, and how a modern livestock building should flow.

The Agrarian Difference

- Lack of veterinary and equestrian expertise in designs
- Poor Practice Standards Scheme knowledge
- Workflows are ignored in the design
- Lack of radiation requirements and infection control understanding
- Budget overruns mid-build
- Fragmented supplier handovers
- Generic commercial templates reused

- Sector specialists, not generalists
- Regulatory compliance knowledge (RCVS PSS – aligned design principles)
- Clinical workflows shape every layout
- Reduce staff movement inefficiencies
- Operational performance design thinking
- Transparent costing, no surprises
- One accountable team, start to finish
- Solutions made for the client, no box-cutting of templates

Book a Design Consultation Today

If you would like to know more about how we can help then please contact the Agrarian team who will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

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