Information & Downloads
Barn conversions and other development
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Old barns used by Barn Owls are still disappearing from the countryside as a result of demolition and decay. The conversion of barns and derelict cottages has also contributed to site loss, as the vast majority of conversions carried out before the late 90's didn't have any provision for Barn Owls incorporated. However between 1990 and 1995 the Barn Owl Trust carried out its Barn Conversion Research Project which demonstrated the negative effect of barn conversions and the usefulness of making provision for Barn Owls. In 1995 and again in 2002 the Barn Owl Trust produced detailed guidance for planners and developers and the idea of making provision became better known. As a result of changes in government policy published in 2005/06 and the implementation of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) there are now more sites where Barn Owls nest with people living or working directly underneath.
Where a barn is due to be converted, it is obviously important to find out if the site is being used by Barn Owls or whether it used to be. It is the responsibility of the applicant to have a wildlife survey carried out as part of the pre-application process and most people would employ an Ecological Consultant for this purpose. It is the responsibility of the Local Planning Authority to ensure that a survey has been carried out and that they have sufficient information before they register the application.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 the Barn Owl is afforded special legal protection at all times. Although the sites that Barn Owls use are not protected, they do have special protection against wilful or reckless disturbance whilst nesting is taking place. Therefore it is illegal to undertake any work which could cause disturbance to breeding Barn Owls at or near the nest site. Anyone who could reasonably be expected to know that something they are about to do may disturb breeding Barn Owls, and fails to check whether Barn Owls are present, may be guilty of an offence under the CROW Act 2000.
There's more information on Barn Owl surveys, legal considerations, planning issues, mitigation and enhancement and nestboxes and other accommodation in the Barn Owl Conservation Handbook
Where there is evidence of Barn Owls using a site always ensure that the local authority planning authority knows about the birds presence (just in case no survey has been done or the birds arrived after the survey). Barn conversions are never refused because of Barn Owls and the presence of Barn Owls is a reason for development (with provision) as it can help secure the long-term future of the site for the species. You can download a copy of the latest guidance "Barn Owls and Rural Planning Applications - a Guide", published by the Barn Owl Trust with support from Natural England. The Guide contains the following three sections:
- "What needs to happen" - A Guide for planners
- Applicants' Handout - A Pre-application Guide
- Making Provision for Barn Owls - A Guide for Planners, Applicants and Developers
It also includes a set of Specimen Barn Owl Planning Conditions for Planning Officers to attach to planning consents.
Training for ecologists & planners
Barn Owls and Rural Planning Applications - a Guide
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Barn Owls and Rural Planning Applications - a Guide (from Natural England website)
If you become aware of a barn conversion and suspect that the needs of Barn Owls are not being taken into account, you should contact the Local Planning Authority. If you are not satisfied with their response, contact Natural England (previously English Nature), the Countryside Council for Wales or Scottish Natural Heritage.
You may also like to refer to our leaflet ‘Barn Conversions'.
Barn Conversions
We suggest a minimum donation of £3 for each download
Together We Can Make a Difference. Thank you!
