Change of Use Guidance

If you want to change the use of a building or land you will need to make a full planning application for change of use.

It is generally the case that you will need planning permission to change from one use class to another, although there are exceptions where the legislation does allow some changes between uses.

Use Classes and changes of use not requiring planning permission can be found on the Planning Portal and should be looked at before making an application.

If you need to apply for change of use the minimum requirements that are needed for a full change of use planning application are:

• the application form
• location Plan
• plans

Is planning permission required to sub-divide a building?

Planning permission may not be required to sub-divide a building where:

• sub-division does not involve physical works that amount to development
• the use of any newly formed units after a building has been sub-divided falls within the same use class as the building’s existing primary use before it was sub-divided, or there is a permitted development right allowing the new use and/or
• the sub-division does not involve converting a single dwelling house to contain more than one residential unit.

Do I need planning permission to home work or run a business from home?

Planning permission is not normally required to home work or run a business from home, provided that a dwelling house remains a private residence first and business second (or in planning terms, provided that a business does not result in a material change of use of a property so that it is no longer a single dwelling house). A local planning authority is responsible for deciding whether planning permission is required and will determine this on the basis of individual facts. Issues which they may consider include whether home working or a business leads to notable increases in traffic, disturbance to neighbours, abnormal noise or smells or the need for any major structural changes or major renovations.  For clarification you can contact the planning department.