Changing a Commercial Property's Use

If you want to change how a commercial property is used, the first question is whether you need planning permission at all, and then which route to take.

Do you need permission

• Within Class E: generally no permission needed. See use classes.
• Under permitted development: some changes, such as commercial to residential, use a prior approval route. See permitted development.
• Otherwise: a full planning application is needed, for example moving to or from a sui generis use.

Prior approval vs full application

Prior approval is faster and considers only specified matters. A full application is a wider assessment against planning policy and can attract conditions, contributions such as the Community Infrastructure Levy or a section 106 agreement, and consultation.

Conditions and enforcement

Watch for existing planning conditions that restrict use, and remember that using a property in breach of planning control can lead to enforcement. If a tenant has changed the use without consent, that can be a lease breach as well as a planning issue.

Appeals and advice

If an application is refused you can appeal, but that takes time. For anything beyond a straightforward Class E switch, take advice from a planning consultant. See use classes and the renew vs redevelop decision.

Do I always need planning permission to change use?

No. Switching within Class E generally does not, some changes use a prior approval route, and others need a full application.

What is the difference between prior approval and a full application?

Prior approval is faster and considers only specified matters; a full application is a wider assessment against planning policy and can attract conditions.