C O M M E R C I A L   P A G E S

Change of Use

We have experience in a wide range of areas that will be a great fit for many small and medium sized businesses. If you're thinking of opening a bar or cafe, we could be perfect for you.

 

We can help you with Change of Use, Building Control Permissions, Internal & External Renovations, Design & Access Statements, Outdoor Seating, Sound Proofing Measures, Disabled Toilets & Facilities, Fire Proofing Measures and so on.

 

Whatever your issue, we're sure we can help.

0.1 Planning Permission

Gaining planning permission takes about 8 weeks, although many projects can proceed without a formal Change of Use application and are covered by Permitted Development Use Class Orders.

 

Click on the link below for a download table you can use to check your proposed development.

0.2 Removing Conditions

Planning permission will often come with 'Conditions' attached. These normally involve  noise reduction or sound proofing requirements. You will need to submit a plan of mitigation to have these conditions removed before you can open. This involves a 'Removal of Conditions' application, which again takes 8 weeks.

0.3 Building Control

Building Control permission will be required for any structural work - which may require the services of a Structural Engineer - as well as fire escape requirements, disabled access where appropiate, and various other standards as they apply to your project - for example, drainage work and general building standards.

The planning process for a Change of Use Application will normally contain some of the features mentioned below.

0.1 Change of Use

You don't always need a Change of Use planning application for a business, (see Permitted Development below), but it helps to get the proper advice.

0.2 Planning Conditions

Planning consent often comes with Conditions that have to be removed before you can open. We can sort these out for you.

 

0.3 Building Control

Need structural alterations or other renovations covered by the Building Regulations? We can produce drawings that will put you in the clear.

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0.4 Noise Abatement

Noise abatement generally involves external noise produced by fans, chillers, or flues. The need to produce a scheme design for their mitigation will be attached to the planning permission as a Condition. 

0.5 Sound Proofing

Sound reduction is internal. You may need to install sound proofing measures where there is a tenant in a flat above or a residential house to one side.

Again, these come in the form of planning Conditions.

0.6 Disabled Access

The Building Control Departemnt will often want to see measures put in place to allow disabled access -- most commonly, this is in the form of a disabled toilet.

We can help in all these areas, and many more