Commercial Permitted Development
At PermittedDevelopment.com we undertake everything you require to apply for your Lawful Development Certificate to give you the best chance of approval. We offer a fixed fee architectural process and a one-stop shop for all pre-construction drawings and structural calculations to give you hassle free project planning.
Our Permitted Development Specialists understand the General Permitted Development Order inside-out and there is no better practice to achieve your Lawful Development Certificate than with us!
We ensure the change of use meets the required guidelines by applying for a Lawful Development Certificate from your Local Planning Authority. Our planning specialists will work with you every step of the way to ensure your commercial project is viable and designed correctly.
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The change of use to residential is our most common project for commercial Permitted Development, however, we have specialists for all application types! The General Permitted Development Order has granted more freedom to allow a change of use without the need for express planning consent, giving landlords more freedom to diversify their assets through a more streamlined planning process.
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If you would like to know more about your rights and how we can help you achieve your Lawful Development Certificate then please contact our Specialists...
Prior Approval - Shop to Residential
The change of use from a shop (A1) to residential (C3) with a new façade can now be done under a Lawful Development Certificate.
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Permitted Development for this type of conversion is now more accessible for landlords, but requires an in depth knowledge of the General Permitted Development Order to ensure the change of use complies with any conditions, limitations or restrictions specified by your Local Authority.
Change of Use
Current Use
Proposed Use
A1
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Shops
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Retail
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A2
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A3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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B1(a) up to 500m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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C3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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D2 up to 200m2 and subject to Prior Approval and only if the premises was in A1 use on 5th December 2013
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A mixed use comprising an A1 or A2 use and up to two flats may also be permitted subject to meeting certain conditions
A2
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Professional services
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Financial services
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A1
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A3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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B1(a) up to 500m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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C3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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D2 subject to Prior Approval and only if the premises was in A2 use on 5th December 2013
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A mixed use comprising an A1 or A2 use and up to two flats may also be permitted subject to meeting certain conditions
A3
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Restaurants
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Cafes
A1 or A2
A4
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Drinking establishments
A4 (drinking establishment) with A3 (restaurants and cafes)
A4
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Drinking establishment with A3 restaurants and cafes
A4 (drinking establishments)
A5
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Hot food takeaways
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A1 or A2 or A3
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B1(a) up to 500m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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C3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
B1(a)
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Business offices
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B8 up to 500m2
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C3 subject to Prior Approval
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State-funded school or registered nursery subject to Prior Approval
B1(b)
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Business research and development
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B8 up to 500m2
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State-funded school or registered nursery subject to Prior Approval
B1(c)
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Business light industrial
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B8 up to 500m2
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C3 up to 500m2 and subject to Prior Approval (this right was temporary and has expired)
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State-funded school or registered nursery subject to Prior Approval
B2
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General industrial
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B1
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B8 up to 500m2
B8
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Storage
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Distribution
B1 up to 500m2
C1
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Hotels
State-funded school or registered nursery subject to Prior Approval
C2
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Residential institutions
C2A
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Secure residential institutions
State-funded school or registered nursery subject to Prior Approval
C3
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Dwelling houses
C4 (small houses in multiple occupation)
C4
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Small houses in multiple occupation
C3 (dwelling houses)
D2
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Assembly and leisure
State-funded school or registered nursery subject to Prior Approval
Sui generis
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Agricultural buildings
A1, A2, A3, B1, B8, C1, C3, D2, State-funded school or registered nursery, all subject to meeting relevant criteria and Prior Approval. See notes below.
Sui generis
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Amusement arcade
C3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
Sui generis
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Betting offices
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Pay day loan shops
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A1
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A2
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A3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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B1(a) up to 500m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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C3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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A mixed use comprising a betting office or a pay day loan shop, or an A1 or A2 use and up to two flats may also be permitted subject to meeting certain conditions.
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D2 up to 200m2 and subject to Prior Approval
Sui generis
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Casinos
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A3 only if existing building is under 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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C3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval.
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D2
Sui Generis
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Launderette
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B1(a) up to 500m2 and subject to Prior Approval
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C3 up to 150m2 and subject to Prior Approval