Planning consent for change of use of factory?

[BGB autosport]

Not sure if this is the right place for this or not, so mods please move if you feel fit.

We are looking at expanding our business, we have a large building which is currently used for storage, we would be looking to convert it to a large sand moulding area. To occupy 25 people, the building is roughly 2500M2. It has been used in the past as work shops and has had large overhead cranes installed previously.

It is constructed of a steel frame work and clad in asbestos panels, the asbestos starts roughly 8-10 feet up, below this is brick.

There is no heating and no heating will be installed in the area. Changes to be made will include installation of equipment, cranes, power etc etc, no structural changes.

Does this require any planning consents? Im going to ring the planning people shortly but expect i will get the run round.

[Davel]

Well, you should check on your existing permitted uses, which probably include light industrial.

But, to protect yourself, check with your local planning office.

I've normally found them pretty helpful.

Edited by Davel on Monday 8th February 22:16

[herbialfa]

Agreed!

You might also as belt and braces speak to Building Control about the requirements for toilets per number of staff etc. & more importantly if you are permanently fixing large peice of plant how will that effect emergency exits etc.

[davidjpowell]

Mods - surely this belongs in Business where the surveyors hang out?

Local Authority will give you best advice on planning, but I think you will be ok. You need to look long and hard at the Asbestos - is it in good condition. It could get very expensive if it causes you problems in the future.

[BGB autosport]

Thanks for the advice, i have rung the local planning dept and they are going to give me a call back. There would be no problem with access, staff levels would remain the same so toilets and general amenities would not be an issue either.

Its mainly the asbestos that im concerned about. Its not an attractive building as it stands and I cant see the project being signed off going ahead with it as is, meaning the asbestos will either need to be covered or removed and the building re-clad.