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.

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

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

Thank you for all your hard work on our situation. We achieved the best possible outcome thanks to your dedication and work ethic. Your pursuit of a positive outcome, despite what initially appeared to be a very poor prospect, was unwavering. The work and understanding from the beginning was strong and the goal was ultimately achieved We can only say that we would highly recommend Plainview Planning to future clients with the highest regard.

Mr Carlon, London

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

When I finished reading your statement, I had a smile on my face. You made a complicated argument both simple and compelling - thank you.

Mr A Marler – Hertfordshire

The Plainview Planning team have been fundamental in our retrospective planning permission application. They put together an application pack that was so thorough we received no further questions from the planning department, and the process was swift and painless. This is testament to Plainview Planning's understanding of the complexities of the planning process. I am deeply appreciative of their time and effort in bringing this to a successful conclusion.

Dr Bradbury, Essex

From start to finish, it was a pleasure working with Plainview Planning. The team are a wealth of knowledge and support, and I would wholeheartedly recommend them. Their breadth of experience is invaluable when navigating planning projects, particularly those involving contentious issues requiring a common‑sense approach. Whatever stage you’re at, they are highly recommended to help bring your ideas to fruition.

Mrs Sadler, Essex

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

On behalf of PKL Group and our client, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the team at Plainview Planning for undertaking such a sterling job in obtaining planning permission on what has been an incredibly complex and sensitive project. We would have absolutely no hesitation in returning to Plainview Planning for future outsourced planning support and I would equally have no hesitation in recommending their service to others.

PKL Group Ltd, Cheshire

From our very first conversation through to the successful outcome Plainview planning have been exceptional. They communicated with us every step of the way, always responding promptly to our questions and explaining everything in a clear and reassuring manner. What initially felt like a daunting and uncertain process became far more manageable thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and genuine care. After years of uncertainty surrounding my mother's property, they achieved the outcome our family had been hoping for by...

Mrs Goodge, Chichester

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

Having recently been granted planning permission for a Paragraph 79 in West Sussex it has been no mean feat! From the outset we were impressed by their positivity and reassurance that if we play the long game we would get there in the end. This has been proven to be true! They were as determined as we were to get the planning passed. We can't thank you enough.

Mr & Mrs Perryman, West Sussex

Plainview, you’re absolute diamonds! Thank you so much, I am so, so grateful for your help. I definitely plan to return when the time comes for another application! Thank you so much again.

Nina, North Cotswolds

Really well-presented Plainview. Great work.

Aventier Ltd., Greenwich

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

Thank you so much for your faultless work in helping us get planning permission. You have been amazing, and we will always recommend you to others.

Mrs Faithful, East Hampshire

Thank you for your hard work and dealing with my questions. The service provided has been great, onwards and upwards now for the next premises.

South Downs Fitness, West Sussex

Thanks for the great service and support, you made the whole process very straightforward.

Mr Barrett, Essex

I would like to say THANK YOU! The service was top class! The knowledge, advice, recommendation I received from the beginning to the end of my application was honest and professional! Thank you once again! I am beyond happy that this has settled in our favor!

Ms Jackowska, Essex

Plainview Planning are a professional team: they listen to what is being asked of them, then discuss and advise the route to take. They communicate in a timely fashion and there was never need for me to contact or chase them.

Mrs Taylor, Hampshire