Check, please!
Do I need planning permission to change the use of my premises?
It's a simple question, but planning use classes can be surprisingly confusing. Whether you're opening a salon, setting up a studio or considering a new business premises, it pays to understand the basics before you make your move.
Our Planning Check gives you a quick, professional, in-principle indication based on the existing and proposed uses you describe.
A little knowledge goes a long way.
For £49, we will consider your proposed change of use against the general planning use-class rules and provide a brief written indication of whether planning permission would ordinarily be required.
It's a straightforward first step — not a detailed property appraisal or a formal determination.
What's included?
- A quick review of the current and proposed uses as you describe them.
- An initial, theoretical use-class-based view on whether permission is likely to be needed.
- A short email response setting out that initial indication.
Planning rules don't stand still.
Planning use classes have changed considerably over the years, and the Government periodically reviews and updates the rules.
What required planning permission a few years ago might not require it today. Equally, assumptions based on older classifications can lead businesses down the wrong path.
For just £49, our Planning Check gives you a quick, professional indication of where your proposed change of use stands under the current use-class rules.
No lengthy reports. No unnecessary research. Just a little expert knowledge to help you decide what to do next.
What isn't included?
The £49 check is deliberately limited. It does not include planning-history searches, checks of site-specific restrictions or conditions, detailed permitted development assessments, planning policy research, or formal confirmation that a use is lawful.
Those matters can change the answer for an individual property. If you need that level of certainty, we can discuss a more detailed service separately.
How does it work?
Tell us your idea.
Email the existing use of the premises and what you'd like to use them for.
We check the principles.
Sarah considers the proposed change against the general use-class framework.
Get a clear initial view.
Receive a short written indication by email, with any important limitations explained.
What if my property is more complicated?
Some changes of use depend on the property's planning history, planning conditions, permitted development restrictions or other site-specific facts. A quick use-class check cannot establish all of those matters.
If your enquiry needs more detailed investigation, we'll explain that before undertaking any additional work. You won't be signed up to a bigger service automatically.
Important: The Planning Check is preliminary, general use-class advice based on the information you provide. It is not a site-specific legal determination, a certificate of lawfulness or a guarantee that planning permission is unnecessary.
Check first. Move forward with confidence.
For £49, find out what the use-class rules suggest about your plans. Tell Sarah what you're thinking, and we'll take it from there.