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Michael

To limit the risk on a local authority trying to claim a building is not under used then a viability assessment could be made, this could focus on the fact many farmers have struggled over the last few years with the rising costs associated with livestock rearing and that the smaller buildings in question probably don’t offer the space needed for modern farming equipment or practices. Where the biggest risk could lie will be the issue of noise, not from the housing but from the farm as these could be an uncomfortable neighbour. Having a good understanding of the farms operation will enable you to make a robust case to the local authority and in my experience if you can also make a case for the importance of the building in landscape and building heritage value it gives you further ammunition in the case for retaining the building.