Class Q and prior approval: transport and highways.
Transport and highways evidence for barn conversions and other prior approval applications, where access is one of the few matters the council can consider.
Also known as: Class Q highways, prior approval transport and highways impacts, barn conversion access, Class MA highways, permitted development highways
What’s included.
Prior approval applications under permitted development, such as Class Q agricultural to residential, ask the council to consider a short list of matters, which includes transport and highways impacts. Access is often the deciding issue, so a short, focused note on visibility, the access track and the junction with the road can make the difference.
- Visibility at the junction with the road
- Access track width, passing places and surfacing
- Trip generation compared with the agricultural use
- Refuse and emergency access
- Parking and turning within the site
- A short technical note for the application
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Focused
A short note that answers the transport and highways question, and nothing beyond it.
Fair comparison
Trips set against the lawful agricultural use, which can be substantial on a working farm.
Practical fixes
Passing places, hedge trimming within the highway verge or a relocated access where that solves the problem.
Questions we get asked
What can the council consider on transport for Class Q?
The transport and highways impacts of the development. In practice that means whether the access is safe and the roads can accommodate the trips.
Can a narrow lane mean refusal?
It can, if the council thinks the access or lane is unsafe for the new use. Evidence on traffic, speeds and passing places often resolves it.
Do other prior approvals cover highways?
Yes. Several, including change of use from commercial to residential under Class MA, include transport impacts among the matters considered.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
Need help with class Q and prior approval highways?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.