If you’re launching a new business or commercial venture that requires any of the following changes to your site or property, then you will need planning permission:

• building something new
• making a major change to your building, such as an extension
• Changing the use of your building (eg. converting a shop into a flat, or an office build into a restaurant)

The primary purpose of the planning permission process is to ensure that your proposed development aligns with local planning policies, considers the impact of the surrounding area, and adheres to design and safety standards. If you move forward with a development project without gaining permission first, your local council can request that you either demolish it or submit a retrospective planning application.

This is why we suggest that you speak to us first for free, confidential pre-application advice.

Whether you need a business license in the UK depends on the type of business you run and where you’re located. We can help you to secure a license if:

• you’re selling alcohol
• you’re operating a restaurant or handling food
• you’re opening a shop
• you’re displaying an advertising sign on a public highway or pavement
• there will be construction work

Speak to us today to find out if you need a business license and/or planning permission to make your commercial dream a reality. 

A ‘change of use’ in planning refers to a significant alteration in the primary purpose for which a building or land is used. This alteration is considered ‘material’ enough to potentially impact the surrounding area and neighbouring properties by generating more traffic, increasing noise levels and affecting parking availability.

Planning regulations often categorise different types of land use into ‘use classes’, and you would need planning permission to legally change between these classes. Examples include:

• Converting a shop into a residential flat
• Turning an office building into a restaurant
• Converting a house into a bed and breakfast
• Changing a warehouse into a retail space

We have 25+ years’ experience in successfully winning planning permission in commercial change of use cases, and can give you free advice today on the best next steps to take for your business. 

According to the Planning Inspectorate guidelines, most planning applications are decided within 8 weeks in the UK. If the project is particularly large or complex, the time limit can extend to 13 weeks. 

Please note that these timeframes are meant as guides only, and dependent on the Planning Inspectorate being up to date. 

We will guide you through the whole planning application process to make it as quick, seamless and cost effective as possible, no matter the complexity of your case.

Most planning applications in the UK are approved, with a 90%+ approval rates across most regions. 

However, your exact chance depends heavily on factors such as:

• Local Policies- your proposal needs to align with your local council’s guidelines.
• Neighbours- you need to consider the potential impact on neighbouring properties such as overshadowing, privacy or noise. 
• Site Characteristics- the size and features of your property, including any protected features like trees or listed buildings.
• Project Type- some types of development, such as extensions or conversions, can have a higher approval rate than other developments such as large-scale new builds. 

Increase your chance of success by working with our expert team of Chartered Town Planners and Architectural Designers. We will guide you through the whole planning application process, from pre-application advice to architectural designs, building regulations and the application itself. 

A planning refusal or enforcement notice is not the end of the road. You can appeal a planning decision if:

• you were refused planning permission for reasons that you think go against the LPA’s development plan or planning policy (you can usually find these on their website)
• you were granted planning permission with conditions you object to – you’ll need to explain why you think they’re unnecessary, unenforceable, vague, unreasonable or irrelevant
• the LPA has not given you a decision on your application and 8 weeks have passed since the date they told you they’d received it (or a different deadline you agreed with them has passed)

Please see our dedicated Appeals page or contact us for more information on how we can help you to act now and overturn your planning refusal.