Converting Commercial into Residential

[evo801]

Hi All,

Currently looking to convert a commercial ground floor space into residential.
The floor plan can work etc, I understand that in order to change the front facade that it must be planning etc etc.

Just wondering whether anyone on here has done such a project, and if they could spare a few details please.

Many thanks,
Best Regards

Edited by evo801 on Wednesday 7th January 08:45

[evo801]

Just noticed the title, please ignore...still half asleep

[SJobson]

You need planning consent even if you don't change any of the building - using property with commercial planning consent for residential purposes is a breach, and the local authority can serve an enforcement notice to prevent you doing so.

[SimonV8ster]

What sort of property is it ? Shop/office/warehouse ?? Location - out of town ??

Very tricky for anybody to answer accurately, only way for any decent info is to contact your local planning department for advice.

[johnnywb]

SJobson said:

You need planning consent even if you don't change any of the building - using property with commercial planning consent for residential purposes is a breach, and the local authority can serve an enforcement notice to prevent you doing so.

As above. You need to look at the permitted change under the use classes order http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en.... This tells you what uses you can change to without planning permission.

You have a retail shop, which could be A1 use unles it's something specialist (like cafe, take away, bank or pub). There is NO permitted change from A1 use, so you would need to apply for permission to do this.

It is likely you would also need to go for planning permission for the actual physcial alterations as well, but try and get the change of use first. Depending where you are, it may be difficult.

ETA: Apologies, i assumed it was a retail unit, it may not be, but either way, you can't convert any commercial use to residential without getting planning permission for a change of use.

Edited by johnnywb on Wednesday 7th January 09:19