From office fit-outs to mixed-use redevelopments, commercial planning permission is the legal key that unlocks your project. Yet the process, fees, forms, transport statements and ever-shifting Class E rules, can stall timelines and inflate costs.
Planning by Design’s RTPI-chartered planners and ARB-chartered architects shoulder that burden, delivering compliant applications that protect your investment by reducing risk and expense.
From evaluating your project’s feasibility to submitting and managing a robust commercial planning application, our experts are ready to support you.
Commercial planning applications are required to build, make alterations, or change the use of land or property that is owned by a business. Commercial land and properties do not benefit from permitted development rights, bar a few change of use class exceptions.
Example Commercial Project Types Include:
Retail & hospitality: hotels, high‑street refits, drive‑thrus, garden centres, hot‑food takeaways.
Office & co‑working: new‑build, extensions, or Class E to residential *Class MA* conversions.
Industrial & logistics: B2 manufacturing units, B8 warehouses, data-centres.
Mixed‑use & meanwhile uses: commercial & residential, rooftop bars, container parks, pop‑up food halls.
Leisure & health: gyms, spa's, padel courts, medical clinics, cinemas, children’s play barns.
Common Application Types Include: Full Planning, Prior Approval, Outline Planning Permission, Planning Permission in Principle, Matters Reserved, Section 73 Variation and Advertising Consent.
View Example Householder Planning ApplicationsWithout the required planning consent your commercial business may never begin or may be at risk. It's also important to bear in mind that planning approval can never be guaranteed. However, if your project is feasible a robust commercial planning application provides many benefits including;
Protect asset value: Approved schemes command higher yields and easier refinancing.
Avoid enforcement risk: Unauthorised works can trigger stop notices and tenant disruption.
Maximise floor space: Smart design arguments can win extra GIA within plot and daylight limits.
Support ESG goals: We integrate sustainability and biodiversity up-front to meet funder demands.
Speed occupation: Clear permissions let contractors price accurately and tenants fit-out sooner.
Check if you need planning permissionPlanning Appraisal: Feasibility study to confirm whether a planning application is needed, if so which type is best suited to your project, the requirements, cost, timeframes and likelihood of success.
Architectural Drawings: Our ARB architects prepare 2D scale floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans block, site location plans and any other required drawings.
Planning Statements: Our RTPI planners draft a planning or design & access statement, heritage impact statement, sustainability statement, transport statement and other statements as required.
Submission & Liaison: We submit the commercial application form via the Planning Portal and you pay the statutory application fee. We liaise with the planning officer and manage the application on your behalf.
Negotiation & Amendments: With our local-authority insight, additional information or minor design alterations often resolve objections before they derail the 8 or 13 week decision window.
Decision & Next Steps: Upon approval we can help discharge conditions, if required. In the unlikely event of a refusal we can submit a revised application or commercial appeal, at a discounted rate.
Book a Planning AppraisalFixed-fee quotation: for everything you require, following a planning appraisal and feasibility report.
Full set of planning drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, block & site plans etc.
Supporting planning statements: planning, design and access, heritage and exemption statements etc.
Application Preparation: completion of all application forms, CIL forms and certificates etc.
Application Submission: with your approval, we submit the application via the Planning Portal.
Application Management: liaison with case officer and statutory consultees throughout the process.
Determination: decision notice downloaded and sent once the application is determined.
Planning Appraisal: to find out if planning permission is required, if so which application would be best, associated likely costs and the likelihood of success. We can do this in 1 day.
Architectural Drawings: architect drawings for any project/planning application, we aim to have these sent for review, comment and approval within 7 days.
Planning Statement: any type of planning application/planning statements for any project, we aim to have these sent for review, comment and approval within 7 days.
Application Submission: once we have everything required for your application, with your approval we will submit the application in 1 day.
Optional Fast-Track: For those in a hurry or with urgent requirements such as a retrospective application we offer a fast-track service for all the work we do and control up to application submission.
Application Validation: once you have paid the application fee the council will begin validating the application. Typically takes anywhere from 1 day to several weeks, depending on council backlogs.
Decision: commercial planning applications should be determined within 8 to 13 weeks, however it is important to bear in mind most councils are backlogged and taking longer.
Cost: our unbeatable prices are backed by our price match guarantee, we will beat any like-for-like quote. Get a instant estimate for most common householder projects via our free online cost calculator.
At Planning By Design, our integrated approach combines architectural, planning, and project management expertise to ensure your project runs smoothly from the start.
Our local and national knowledge helps you navigate the complex council regulations as efficiently as possible. Our holistic design process ensures proposals look great, function well, and meet the relevant planning policies.
With clear communication at every stage and a focus on cost-effective solutions, we streamline applications and safeguard your investment, ultimately saving you time and money.
RTPI & ARB accredited team: planning precision plus award-winning architecture.
UK & Ireland Coverage: we work with every local authority, and know many of the planning officers.
Extensive Portfolio: over 750 planning approvals, case studies and examples for all project types.
Price-match guarantee: we will beat any like-for-like quote.
5* Reviews: hundreds of 5* reviews on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook from happy customers.
Video Testimonials: hear firsthand feedback from clients regarding their experience.
Get a Free Instant EstimatePlanning By Design’s RTPI-accredited Chartered Town Planners bring a wealth of expertise to projects of all sizes, from small commercial change of use applications to major commercial applications, across every council in the UK and Ireland.
We tailor each plan to your goals and local requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance without compromising on creativity. Our diverse skill set and deep understanding of planning legislation help turn your vision into reality, on time and within budget.
At Planning By Design, we have established standard fixed prices for the most common projects regardless of where the property is located. As we are typically 30-50% cheaper than our competitors we also offer a Price Match Guarantee and will beat any like-for-like quote.
To get a instant estimate for your project try our Free Online Cost Calculator.
Contact us now for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your architectural design project.
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The statutory time for minor schemes are usually decided within eight weeks; larger or complex proposals have a 13-week target. However, many councils are backlogged so it can take longer.
Statutory fees start at £298 for up to 40 m² of new floor space and scale with size, capped at £411,885 for very large schemes.
Some changes within Class E are permitted development, provided no planning constraints have removed PD rights. Conversion to residential (Class MA) or sui generis uses usually requires full permission and prior-approval.
Yes. Our fast-track householder application service is available for those who are in a rush or have urgent requirements, such as a retrospective planning application following an enforcement notice.
