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Changes to Permitted Development Rights making it easier to change use to a dwelling
27 April 2021

From 1st August 2021, a new permitted development right known as ‘Class MA’ will come into force to allow for the change of use from commercial, business and service use (Class E) to residential use (Class C3).

Class E was introduced in September 2020 and covers a wide range of uses as listed below:

  • Shops
  • Financial and professional services
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Offices and light industrial
  • Medical or health services, creches, day nursery, indoor sports, gyms, etc

These new Permitted Development Rights allow a generous maximum floor space of 1,500 square metres to be converted to residential use without the need to apply for full planning permission and are a powerful tool to unlock the value of your property.

It will apply to buildings that have been in commercial, business and service use for two years and have been vacant for three continuous months prior to the application for prior approval. Unlike other permitted development for residential use, these new rights apply to buildings in conservation areas too.

There are conditions and limitations that apply and we will be happy to discuss these with you and advise if this route is appropriate for your case but we hope it will bring many new opportunities.

If you would like to discuss your ideas with our Planning & Development department, then please call Abel Bunu, Andrew Barr or Shannon Hubbard.

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