Change of Use Planning
Change of Use
London's dynamic commercial and residential market creates constant demand for change of use planning. DMC Planning advises landlords, developers, and occupiers on the full spectrum — from Class E commercial restructuring to office-to-residential Prior Approvals and mixed-use development strategies.
Strategic Change of Use Planning Across London
The planning framework governing changes of use is complex and has undergone significant reform in recent years with the introduction of the Class E use class, which consolidated retail, office, restaurant, and leisure uses. DMC Planning advises clients on whether a proposed change of use requires planning permission, whether it can be achieved through Permitted Development rights, and — where a full application is required — how to optimise the application strategy for the specific local planning context.
Our commercial change of use work covers office-to-residential conversions under the Class MA Prior Approval route, retail-to-residential under Class M, and a wide range of Class E reorganisations. We also advise on the Article 4 Directions that many London boroughs have applied to restrict office-to-residential conversions in key employment areas. Understanding these local restrictions before committing to a development strategy can save substantial time and cost.
What We Do
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Class E Use Class Analysis
We analyse the existing and target use classes in detail, establishing whether the proposed change requires consent and advising on the most efficient route to achieve the client's operational objectives.
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Office-to-Residential Prior Approval (Class MA)
We prepare and submit Class MA Prior Approval applications for the conversion of commercial, business and service premises to residential use, managing the limited-period assessment process with the local planning authority.
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Retail Change of Use
We advise on changes of use involving retail and town centre premises, including sequential impact assessments where required and the policy implications of retail-to-residential conversions under emerging high street policy frameworks.
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Mixed-Use Development Strategy
We develop mixed-use strategies that balance commercial and residential development to satisfy local authority policy requirements on employment land protection and affordable housing contributions.
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Article 4 Direction Assessment
We identify Article 4 Directions in the target borough that restrict Permitted Development rights for change of use, advising on their precise scope and the implications for project viability and programme.
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Lawful Development Certificates for Use
Where a use has become lawful through the passage of time or falls within PD, we prepare applications for Certificates of Lawful Existing or Proposed Use or Development to provide formal documentary confirmation.
Our Change of Use Methodology
We assess the existing use class, the target use class, and all intermediate steps that may be required. For Prior Approval routes, we prepare and submit the Prior Approval application, managing the limited-period assessment process with the local authority. For full applications, we prepare a planning statement demonstrating compliance with local employment policies, retail impact assessments where required, and any necessary transport or environmental reports.
Our understanding of the London Plan's policies on industrial land, town centre uses, and housing delivery allows us to position change of use applications accurately against the strategic policy framework that many London boroughs rely on. We have a strong track record of securing change of use consents in boroughs with restrictive employment land policies, including Camden, Hackney, Southwark, and Tower Hamlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Class E?
Class E is the commercial, business and service use class introduced in September 2020, consolidating many former use classes including A1 retail, A2 financial services, A3 restaurant, B1 office, and others. Many changes between uses within Class E are now permitted without planning permission, though local Article 4 Directions may still require consent in certain areas.
Do I need planning permission to convert an office to residential?
In many cases, you can use the Class MA Prior Approval route rather than a full planning application. However, this route is restricted in Article 4 Direction areas, and the LPA can still assess specific matters including transport, contamination, flooding, and noise. We advise on the best route for each specific property, taking account of all relevant local restrictions.
What is the difference between Prior Approval and full planning permission?
Prior Approval is a lighter-touch process that limits what the LPA can assess. It does not involve a full design review, and the LPA cannot refuse on design or land use grounds — only on the specific matters prescribed by the Prior Approval regime. Full planning permission allows the LPA to assess all material considerations, offering greater flexibility in scheme design but a more complex and unpredictable process.
Unlocking Your Property's Full Development Potential
DMC Planning advises clients across London on change of use strategy, from initial use class assessment to securing consent. Contact our team today for a clear assessment of your options.
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