Change of Use

Need planning support for a Change of Use? At Plainview Planning, we provide expert advice on permitted development, prior approval, and full planning applications—helping unlock new uses for land and property across England.

Changing the use of a building or site can unlock new opportunities, but it also brings planning challenges. Whether you’re repurposing a commercial unit, converting a barn, or transforming a property into residential use, our team has extensive experience in securing change of use consents across England.

We are well-versed in Change of Use, Dual Uses, Permitted Development, and Prior Approval, and can guide you through the most strategic and suitable approach for your development aims.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Change of Use?

Within the same Use Class: If the new activity is in the same Use Class as the existing one, permission may not be required. In some cases, your proposal may fall under permitted development rights, where planning permission is effectively granted nationally.
Permitted development with conditions: To rely on PD rights, the proposal must meet strict criteria under the General Permitted Development (England) Order 2015, and these rights may be removed by Article 4 Directions, site designations, or planning conditions.
Prior Approval: Even where PD rights apply, a Prior Approval application is often needed to secure legal certainty.
Between different Use Classes: A full planning application will be required if the change is to a different Use Class. This usually involves justifying the loss of the existing use and evidencing how the new one meets local and national planning policy.

It’s also important to note that even if the use is permitted, if you are seeking to make material changes to the building to facilitate the proposed change of use, this will also require planning permission.

Key Questions to Ask Before Changing Use

What is the current and proposed use?
What is the local context—commercial, residential, or mixed?
Has the site been vacant for a long period?
Are there similar uses nearby?
Are you renting or buying? (A subject-to-planning clause is often wise.)
Could there be operational issues—opening hours, deliveries, or parking?
Will the proposal involve material changes to the building?

Speaking to a planning consultant early on is essential to avoid risk before committing to a rental, purchase, or investment.

What We Offer

At Plainview Planning, we provide tailored support at every stage:

Site-specific appraisals – reviewing planning history, policies, and risks.
Advice on permitted development rights – and whether Prior Approval applies.
Preparation and submission of Prior Approval or full planning applications.
Planning statements & evidence packs – setting out clear, policy-led justifications.
Appeal services – if permission has been refused.
Liaison with local authorities – handling queries and negotiations on your behalf.

Our goal is to reduce uncertainty, secure permissions efficiently, and help you unlock the full potential of your property.

FAQs on Change of Use

Not always. Some changes are covered by permitted development rights, but restrictions and conditions apply. We can confirm whether your project qualifies.
An Article 4 Direction can remove permitted development rights, meaning you’ll need full planning permission. We’ll check this for you during our appraisal.
Yes, but the use and the works may both require planning permissions. We can advise on the best combined strategy.
Local authorities typically take 8 weeks to decide, though timescales vary. We can help minimise delays with a robust, complete submission.

Why Choose Plainview for Change of Use Applications?

Experienced in commercial, rural, and residential change of use cases.
Clear advice on whether to proceed under permitted development, prior approval, or full planning.
Strong policy analysis and evidence gathering to support your case.
Skilled at navigating refusals and appeals.
A practical, commercially aware approach that balances planning risk with project viability.

A team you can trust

Plainview Planning is an independent consultancy that has supported clients across England since 2008. We believe good planning starts with listening, and we take pride in offering clear, supportive advice. From homeowners and landowners to developers, farmers, and businesses, we think strategically to unlock site potential, achieve development goals, and build trusted relationships that last beyond each project.

Meet our team

Key Projects

Stunning new 600sqm home approved in the Cotswolds National Landscape

Innovative eco-development approved in the Green Belt, North Somerset

Architect-designed replacement dwelling, Tetbury

Residential regeneration in a landmark location – Ealing

Sensitive restoration and extension of a Grade II* listed home in Cheltenham

Successful pub diversification: 9 new homes and 22 letting rooms near Bath

Planning approved for new visitor facilites at an RSPB wetlands reserve

Change of use from pub to 31-Bed Hotel, London

Some of our clients

Below are some of the commercial clients and organisations we work with. You can view all our recent projects or read our latest news and updates.

I have to say, from day one, I knew you would be instrumental to the whole venture succeeding - and I wasn't wrong. You have dealt with it all with gold standard professionalism, and I cannot thank you enough.

Mrs Young, East Yorkshire

I would fully recommend McLoughlin Planning Ltd; they handled my application for change of use of my Therapy Centre into residential use. They demonstrated a wealth of experience in the thorough way they prepared my planning application and kept the process moving, whilst keeping me informed at all times. I was delighted that they succeeded in getting my application passed which was by no means an easy task.

Amanda, West Sussex

Many thanks for all your help with our application! We are very grateful and pleased with all the work you have put in. We will of course approach you again and would happily recommend you to friends and colleagues.

Mr Daulatzai, London

I have been so impressed at the consistently high standard of work produced during my planning application and appeal process. The Plainview team went above and beyond what was required. A superb outcome, thank you.

Mrs Grimes, Suffolk

It was an absolute pleasure having Plainview Planning on board, for our difficult Planning Application. The team was amazing for overlooking and progressing the application focusing on each and every detail, to keep the wheels in motion. I cannot thank you enough. Well done.

Mr M Mohamed, London

Throughout the entire application process everybody involved from the Plainview Planning team provided me with the very highest levels of courtesy, patience and above all professionalism. The positive outcome of this application clearly shows your business formula works. Once again thank you for taking on this application and getting the desired result.

Disdale Gordon, D and G LTD London

I cannot recommend the Planview Planning team enough. They have supported us through the highs and lows of the process with compassion and professionalism. They are incredibly knowledgeable and have insights into the local area and process, are consummate professionals and above all are genuinely good, nice people. If you are reading this and need support / advice do not look any further. Thank you all for everything.

Mrs. Seymour, Essex

I just wanted to say that I have been delighted with the professional attentive service that I have received from Plainview Planning since my association with them first started at the end of 2018.

Mrs Symons, Essex

Plainview Planning made a realistic appraisal of a very complicated planning history of our annex. From the outset, our consultant clearly had good knowledge and skills to prepare the planning statement. Realistic but supportive throughout and made a stressful application easier for us. Successful outcome very much due to our consultant.

Mr & Mrs Cooper, East Sussex

We can't thank the team at Plainview Planning enough for our recent planning approval. Getting the certificate of lawfulness has been a lengthy process and they have supported us every step of the way. The difference having this planning permission in place has made to our lives is huge. Great work from a great team!

Mr Cree, Greater Manchester

That is just fantastic news about the appeal win. You guys have done really well and we are most thankful. Well done to you and your clever, vigilant team.

Panacea Medical Centre, Sussex

Thank you so much for all your help!

Anytime Fitness, Camden

Last year there were four applications to Horsham Planning Department. Each one was specific and required attention to detail to secure planning approval. I was very pleased when each application was 'approved' without too much discussion. This was achieved through the dedicated work of your Plainview Planning Experts, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and determination. I would have no hesitation in recommending your company to my friends and family.

Mr Hallworth, Sussex

Thank you for helping us with our appeal. The difference this has made to our lives is amazing. I would highly recommend Plainview Planning to anyone I know, who finds themselves in a similar situation.

Mrs Shergold, Essex

Thank you for what was an outstanding level of professionalism and service that we received in our recent planning application. Without your knowledge and efforts against what was an extremely difficult planning authority, we would not have been successful in our application from annexe to annexe/holiday let. The planning consent granted was a hard-fought battle that you and the team helped us survive. There is absolutely no hesitation in recommending Plainview Planning to anyone.

Mr Griffiths, Essex

Just wanted to thank you all for your hard work. You really were first class and without your expertise I’m sure we would have never won the appeal. I will certainly be recommending you.

Mark and Jon Hall, Essex

Really well-presented Plainview. Great work.

Aventier Ltd., Greenwich

Thank you very much for your work on our application and it proves it again that it's worth hiring professionals, like you, to do the job.

Mr Sestokas, Essex

You successfully helped us to secure planning early last year. Your input was the turning point for the whole project, for which I am incredibly grateful.

Poppy Construction, Gloucestershire

I would like to thank you for all your help. The quality of the application was outstanding and I wouldn't hesitate to use or recommend you in the future.

Mr Ganpatsingh, Surrey