A structured desktop check against Class MA permitted development criteria. Clear result. Fast turnaround. Save yourself from a costly mistake before you spend a penny on a building.
Order the Assessment — £195Buying a commercial building for conversion is a significant commitment. Before you spend money on surveys, solicitors, or finance arrangements, it makes sense to know whether the building actually qualifies for permitted development.
The PD Eligibility Assessment is a structured desktop check carried out by Andrew, reviewing the building against the Class MA permitted development criteria using publicly available data. You receive a written report with a clear result — Green, Amber or Red — and a plain English explanation of what that means for your project.
It is focused on one question only: does this building qualify? Layout, finances, and application quality are separate matters. Those are handled through follow-on services once you know you have a viable site.
Every assessment concludes with one of three results. Here is what each one means.
The building meets the Class MA criteria based on our desktop assessment. No significant blockers have been identified. You can move forward with confidence to the next stage, whether that is further assessment or proceeding to application.
The building broadly meets the criteria, but one or more factors require further investigation before you commit. For example, a flood risk report or noise assessment may be required, and the outcome of those is not yet known. We tell you exactly what the issue is and what needs to be resolved.
The building does not meet the Class MA criteria based on our assessment. We explain the specific reason — whether that is an Article 4 direction, listed building status, qualifying use, or another factor — so you can make a clear decision about whether to pursue an alternative route or move on to the next opportunity.
These are available as follow-on services once eligibility has been confirmed. See the next steps section below.
The Eligibility Assessment is the starting point. If the result is Green or Amber, there are further services available to help you build a complete picture before committing to a purchase or application.
Desktop check of the building against Class MA criteria. Green, Amber or Red result with a written explanation. The essential first step before committing time or money to a site.
£195 flat feeA preliminary look at what the building could yield — how many units, what configuration, and whether the floor area works for conversion. Available following a Green result.
Enquire for detailsAn initial review of the development economics — costs, gross development value, and whether the project is likely to stack financially. For when you need to assess the case before committing.
Enquire for detailsThis assessment covers properties in England only. Permitted development rights — including Class MA — are set by the government in England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland operate under different planning frameworks and Class MA does not apply. If your property is outside England, this assessment is not suitable.
The PD Eligibility Assessment is a desktop review based on publicly available information at the time of the assessment. It checks whether a building appears to meet the Class MA permitted development eligibility criteria. It does not constitute a planning application, professional planning advice in the regulated sense, or a guarantee of any outcome.
A Green result means we have identified no blockers based on available data. It does not mean that a prior approval application will automatically succeed. The outcome of any application depends on factors outside the scope of this assessment, including the quality and completeness of the documents submitted, the outcome of any required technical reports (noise, daylight, flood risk), and the Local Planning Authority's interpretation of specific conditions.
An Amber result means further investigation is required before you can be confident of eligibility. We will tell you exactly what the issue is. It is not a Red result, but you should not proceed to purchase or application without resolving the flagged item first.
This assessment covers eligibility only. It does not assess the physical suitability of the building for conversion, the likely unit layout or configuration, the financial viability of the development, or any other commercial factors. The development achievable is also subject to the results of required technical reports — including noise and natural light assessments — which are a matter for specialist consultants and are outside PWA's scope.
By requesting this assessment, you confirm that you understand the report reflects conditions at the time it is produced, that eligibility does not guarantee planning success, and that any development decision remains solely the client's responsibility.
Get a clear Green, Amber or Red result within 5 working days. £195 flat fee. No commitment beyond the assessment.
Order the Assessment — £195