Multiple Class Q Barn Conversions approved at Manston near Sturminster Newton, Dorset
Class Q Prior Approval has been secured for Northwood Farm, through three separate applications, allowing the conversion of existing agricultural barns into a total of five new residential dwellings.
This farm diversification scheme aims to repurpose redundant barns on an arable farm which practices sustainable farming to the Biocyclic Vegan Standard. The approvals form an integral part of a broader masterplan, re-imagining the future of the farm as a place where productive agriculture and contemporary rural living coexist.
The project involves the selective demolition of various barns across the farm, retaining a number of operational barns. Barns C, D, E, F and M are retained for conversion to residential accommodation.
Barns C and D will both be converted to three bedroom dwellings with double height spaces over the living rooms, formed within a traditional stone barn.
Barns E and F will be created within a portal steel framed barn providing one 2 bed dwelling and one 3 bed dwelling.
Barn M will be formed within a portal steel framed barn, providing a large 4 bedroom dwelling with double height spaces and a master bedroom suite on the first floor.
What is Biocyclic Agriculture?
Organic farming based upon ethical and sustainable principles. Biocyclic vegan agriculture means purely plant-based organic farming. This form of cultivation excludes all commercial livestock farming and slaughtering of animals and does not use any inputs of animal origin.
The form of agriculture that is prevailing today is characterised by a production method which is based on an unclosed system where man uses the resources of nature without providing any compensation in exchange that would guarantee him a durable and unlimited availability of these resources also in the future. In opposition to this non-sustainable approach stands the biocyclic idea the aim of which is the conservation or the rehabilitation of healthy cycles of life (Greek: “bios” = life + “kyklos” = cycle, circle) in a global sense, which means in all areas of the human existence. This concerns the relationship of the human being to his entire natural and connatural world – to humans, animals and also plants – and it requires a responsible interaction with the environment that he uses and influences. All personal and economic activity should thus take place in a holistic context with the goal to make a conscious and sustainable contribution to a development fit for the future also in the area of the agriculture and food industry. (www.biocyclic-vegan.org/partners/the-biocyclic-vegan-standard)
Published 13 October 2025
