Prior Approval – Change Of Use From Commercial (Class E) To Residential (Class C3)

The client approached Planning By Design regarding a proposed change of use of upper floor from commercial (class E) to residential 2 flats on the first and second floors (class C3,) whilst retaining commercial use of ground floor, creating a mixed use building.

Following a planning appraisal with one of our chartered town planners, it was determined that the project is feasible, however, Prior Approval is legally required.

One of our chartered architects produced the required architect drawings, which the client approved. Following approval of the architect design one of our chartered town planners has prepared the required Planning Statement, to justify why the application should be approved. With the client's approval, the architect drawings and Planning Statement were submitted.

The local planning authority has now confirmed that change of use of upper floor from commercial (class E) to residential 2 flats on the first and second floors (class C3,) whilst retaining commercial use of ground floor, creating a mixed use building is lawful.