Change of Use Planning: The Process Explained

Change of Use Planning: The Process Explained

What is Change of Use Planning Permission?

For some alterations, one of the planning permissions that you may need is Change of Use Planning. This is basically required if you are proposing changing the function of a building from one “use class” to another.

What is a Use Class in relation to Change of Use Planning?

In planning, “use class” is a term that describes what the function of a building is. There are lots of use classes – usually described with a letter and a number. For example, a shop would be use class A1. If you wanted to convert that shop into a children’s nursery, then that would be classed as D1 (a non-residential institution). Change of Use Planning permission would be required for this Change of Use.

There are four main areas of use class:

• A – which covers retail and professional services
• B – which covers business, industrial and storage
• C – which covers residential property – including care homes and hotels, and 
• D – which covers leisure and institutions such as health centres.

Each of these is additionally divided into more defined categories (A2, C2a etc). A full list of use classes can be found on the planning portal website. 

Is Change of Use Planning Always Needed?

Sometimes, change of use planning is not needed. If you wanted to change a shop selling clothes to one selling hardware, that would not be a change of use planning – it would still be a shop. However, if you wanted to live in it, then that would. Of course, if the change from one shop to another requires construction work, then it is likely you will need standard Planning Permission for that. 

As you can see from these examples, Change of Use Planning is one of those areas where there are lots of rules and regulations that you need to navigate your way around. It is always a good idea to speak to an experienced Planning Consultant about the specific changes you are planning to make and finding out if you need permission, and if so what sort of permission.

It is important to make sure that you do this early in a process. For instance, if you were going to buy a lease or a property for your business, you should check whether you need to obtain change of use planning permission and get expert advice on your chances of getting it prior to purchase.

Permitted Development in Relation to Change of Use

As with other forms of planning, some changes of use class are covered by something called “permitted development rights”. This means that planning permission is already considered to be in place. 

However, the rules and criteria for this are quite complicated – again, it is an area where it is worth seeking advice from your Local Planning Authority through the Pre-Application Advice process, or speaking to a planning consultant. Often, even if your proposed changes are covered by Permitted Development, you will have to still seek something called Prior Approval ahead of starting any work.

What is the 4 Year Rule and the 10 Year Rule?

These rules set limits on any enforcement action from the council for changes made in the past for which approval was not in place. So, if you lived in a property that was classed as commercial for 4 years, then effectively it has become residential and the council cannot bring enforcement action.

However, if the council believes that you have done this deliberately to avoid the proper processes, then enforcement action can still take place.

Getting Change of Use Planning Permission

The process for applying for and getting Change of Use Planning permission is usually more straightforward than gaining planning permission for a new building. 

The application form is submitted online, or to your local authority, and must include:

• The usual plans for the site location and block, along with existing and proposed floor plans and ‘elevations’ (drawings of what the building will look like).
• Supporting documentation, including a certification of ownership and a design and access statement etc. It is worth speaking to a Planning Consultant about whether a Design and Access Statement is necessary, and if so, what it should say. 
• Completed planning application form, including change of use forms.
• The correct fee.

Change of Use Planning is one of those areas where things should be straightforward, but often complexity lurks not far below the surface. There is much to be gained in doing your homework, and getting proper preparation in place prior to applying. Speak to an expert and it can save you a lot of time and trouble further down the line. 

At UK Planning Consultants, we offer Change of Use Planning in the following locations: Change of Use Planning Bristol, Change of Use Planning London, Change of Use Planning Manchester.