Planning permission for commercial properties

Works to commercial premises generally require planning permission. Works to the inside of a premise may be exempt if the 'use class' or the way the premise will be used remains unchanged.

Common works

The most common works carried out on commercial premises that require planning permission include:

• enlargement of a commercial premise and/or replacement of the roof 
• installation of a new shop front and/or new roller shutter 
• change of use of a premise from one use class to another
  
• conversion of the space over a shop or a ground-floor office into a self-contained and separate use 
• extensions to the hours of use of a premise 
• installation of a satellite dish 
• erection of commercial signage.

In addition:

• works to any building that is a listed building will require listed building consent 
• where a property is located in a conservation area and demolition works are proposed, conservation area consent may be required.