Commercial planning and change of use
The route confirmed and the application managed, so your commercial project keeps moving. Change of use is where most business projects start.
Planning this for a home instead? Residential version →
Related project · Change of useRetail unit change of use6 sheets · View project →Everything your project needs
In plain English: the application the council reads, including the use-class case, prepared and submitted for you.
Applications we submit
- Change of use applications across use classes
- Class E to residential prior approval (Class MA)
- Sui generis uses: takeaways, bars, gyms and clinics
- Advertisement consent for signage and shopfronts
- Premises and pavement licence drawings
Consents & licences
- Lawful development certificates
- Pre-application advice and council liaison
- Planning appeals after a refusal
Appeals & management
- Listed building and conservation area consent
- Submission, validation and case management
Send your postcode and what you are planning. You get the route, the drawings you need and a fixed price in writing, usually the same working day.
Get my drawings quoted →See how pricing worksGet a free personalised plan for your project
Tell us the property and what you want to build. We confirm your planning route, the drawings you need and a fixed price in writing, at no cost. Prefer to read first? Take the free planning guide below.
Get a personalised route check →Download the free guide (PDF)or Word version
Send your details and we will email the guide plus a route check for your own property. No spam.
Projects like yours
Quick answers
Do I need planning permission to change use?
It depends on the current and proposed use class. Many moves within Class E need no application, while anything to or from sui generis usually does. We confirm your position in writing first.
What if I have already opened?
Retrospective applications are possible, but enforcement risk is real. Come to us early and we will tell you the honest position rather than the comfortable one.
How long does a change of use take?
Around 8 weeks for a council decision once validated, with drawings and supporting statements prepared before submission.
What happens if it is refused?
We handle the changes and resubmission, and you get a 100% refund within 5 days if any application we submit is refused.
Tell us about your premises
Send a few details and we will confirm the right route and the drawings you need, with a fixed package price. We aim to complete your drawings within 10 working days.
Related project · SignageShopfront signage scheme2 sheets · View project →You may also need
All commercial drawing services: Fit-out drawings · Measured surveys · Outdoor structures & licences · Space planning & design
Planning this for a home? See residential planning applications, or browse all architectural drawing services.
Get your drawings quoted, fast.
Tell us what you are planning. We confirm the right route and outline the council-ready drawings you need.