Commercial Planning Permission
Urban Vista Planning advises businesses, developers, and property owners on all aspects of commercial planning. Whether you are changing the use of a building, developing a new commercial site, or converting offices to residential, our chartered planners provide clear, practical guidance from assessment through to approval.
We Help With
What We Help With
- New commercial development planning permission
- Change of use applications across all use classes
- Office-to-residential Prior Approval (Class MA)
- Retail and leisure development planning
- Industrial and warehouse planning permission
- Mixed-use development planning
- Advertising consent and signage
- Lawful Development Certificates for commercial use
- Planning appeals for refused commercial applications
Common Scenarios
We regularly advise clients in these situations:
- →You want to convert an office building to residential flats
- →You're opening a new business from premises needing a change of use
- →You're developing a new retail, industrial, or warehouse unit
- →You want to add signage to your commercial property
- →Your commercial development has been refused and you want to appeal
- →You need to understand what use is lawfully permitted at a property
Why Urban Vista Planning?
Commercial planning law changes frequently — the Use Class Order, permitted development rights, and Prior Approval processes have all been significantly updated in recent years. We stay current so you don't have to, providing accurate advice that saves time and avoids costly mistakes.
Up-to-Date Knowledge
We stay current with changes to the Use Class Order and permitted development rights.
Fixed-Fee Approach
Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden extras.
Chartered Planners
Led by Dan Chalk MRTPI MCIHT — accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
UK-Wide Coverage
Offices in Taplow, Leeds, and Hereford. Nationwide project experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission to change a shop to a restaurant?
Under the 2020 reforms to the Use Class Order, most shops, restaurants, cafes, offices, and gyms fall under Class E. Changes within Class E don't require a planning application. However, changes to sui generis uses — such as takeaways, nightclubs, or betting shops — still require a formal change of use application.
What is Prior Approval and when does it apply?
Prior Approval is a streamlined form of planning consent that applies to certain types of development, most commonly commercial-to-residential conversions. It's faster and cheaper than a full planning application but still requires formal approval from the council. We manage the entire process on your behalf.
Can I convert an office to residential flats?
Under Class MA permitted development rights, many commercial buildings (Class E) can be converted to residential use via Prior Approval without a full planning application, subject to floorspace limits, location criteria, and other conditions. We assess whether your building qualifies and manage the Prior Approval on your behalf.
How long does a commercial planning application take?
Local planning authorities aim to determine most applications within 8 weeks, though major applications have a 13-week target. Complex or contentious schemes can take longer. Pre-application engagement with the council beforehand can significantly reduce the risk of delays.
What planning permission do I need to open a new business?
It depends on the type of business and the current use of the premises. Many business changes within Class E don't require permission. Others — such as opening a hot food takeaway, a pub, or a car repair garage — do. We can advise quickly on whether your proposed use requires a formal application.
Discuss Your Commercial Project
Book a free initial consultation and find out exactly what planning permission you need — and the fastest route to getting it.
Book a Free Consultation