Planning validation checklists - Prior approval for change of use – commercial/business/service (Class E) to dwellinghouses (Class C3)

Find out how to apply.

Refer to fee schedule (PDF)

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2021 No. 428 (legislation.gov.uk)

For a change of use application, you'll need:

• a written description of the proposed development
• the developer's contact address
• the developer's email address and if the developer is content to receive communication electronically
• any fee to be paid
• a plan(s) indicating the site and showing the proposed development
• information in regard to the “provision of adequate natural light to all habitable rooms”
• drawings prepared to an identified scale and showing:
  • floor plan indicating the dimensions and proposed use of each room, the position and dimensions of windows, doors and walls
  • the elevations of the dwelling house(s)

Where the development meets the fire risk condition, the developer needs to apply to the LPA with respect to the additional issue of "the fire safety impacts on the intended occupants of the building". In addition, where the application relates to the above additional issue:

The developer now needs to submit "a statement about the fire safety design principles, concepts and standards that have been applied to the development".