Change of use
Drawings and applications for turning a building from one use into another.
A new use for an existing building.
We check whether your change of use needs permission, and prepare the drawings and application if it does.
Every building has a planning use, such as a shop, an office or a house. Changing between some uses is allowed automatically, some need prior approval, and some need full planning permission.
The rules are not obvious and they change. We check what applies to your building, then draw the existing and proposed layouts for the application.
What you get
- A check on whether permission is needed
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Site location and block plans
- Planning or prior approval application
- Building regulations drawings if required
We aim to reply within one working day.
Changes of use we prepare drawings for.
Shop to cafe or restaurant
Layouts and extraction details for food uses.
Office to residential
Flats created from office space, often through prior approval.
House to HMO
Shared houses, where planning permission may be needed.
Commercial to residential
Shops, pubs and units converted to homes.
House to flats
Subdividing a house into self-contained flats.
Agricultural buildings
Barns and farm buildings converted to homes or other uses.
The right route, checked first.
Applying for the wrong thing wastes months. We establish the current lawful use and the correct route before any drawing starts.
- Current lawful use confirmed
- Permitted change, prior approval or full planning
- Layouts that meet space and light standards
- Building regulations considered early
Three steps to a submitted application.
Talk it through
Tell us about the property and what you want to do. We visit or work from what you send us.
We draw it up
We prepare the drawings and send you drafts to check and change.
Submission
We finalise the package and submit it, or hand it to you ready to go.
Do I always need planning permission to change use?
No. Some changes are permitted, some need prior approval and some need full planning permission. It depends on the current and proposed uses and the location.
What is prior approval?
A lighter-touch process where the council considers specific issues only, such as flooding, noise or transport.
Will I need building regulations approval?
Very often. A change of use usually triggers requirements for fire safety, sound insulation and energy efficiency.
How long does it take?
Prior approval decisions are typically made within 56 days. Full applications usually take about eight weeks or more from validation.
You might also need.
Let's talk it through.
Tell us about the property and what you want to do. We’ll come back with a fixed quote and the best route to approval.