Permitted development is the fastest, most certain route to converting a commercial building into residential property. But the regulations are complex, the applications are detailed, and a single mistake can cost you months and thousands in loan interest.
Property With Andrew is a specialist permitted development planning service with a 100% success rate on every prior approval application submitted. We handle everything: the drawings, the application statement, the submission, and all dealings with the Local Planning Authority — so you can focus on the development.
Commercial to residential conversion through permitted development is one of the most compelling strategies in the UK property market right now. Here's why:
Certainty over planning permission. Unlike a full planning application, permitted development is a national right. If your building meets the criteria, prior approval must be granted. Local planning authorities cannot refuse based on design opinions, character, or aesthetics — only specific material considerations.
Speed. Local Authorities have just 56 days to respond to a prior approval application. If they fail to do so, deemed consent is automatically applied. Compare this to a full planning application which can take 6–12 months.
Commercial opportunity. With high street vacancy rates at record highs and demand for residential property exceeding 1 million units nationally, the opportunity for commercial-to-residential conversion has never been greater.
Business owner advantage. Commercial property owners sitting on vacant or underperforming assets can unlock significant capital value — often without needing planning permission at all.
Understanding which class applies is the critical first step. The wrong class can result in rejection, delay, or unnecessary restriction. Andrew's expertise is in identifying the most advantageous class for your specific project.
Class MA — Converts commercial, business, and service use (Class E) buildings to residential. Covers ground and upper floors up to the floorspace limit. Most applicable to offices, retail, and professional services.
Class G — Converts the upper floors above a commercial unit to up to 2 flats. Ideal for mixed-use buildings where the ground floor commercial use is retained.
Class P — Storage and distribution centres (Class B8) to residential.
Class Q — Agricultural buildings to residential dwellings.
Class M — Betting offices, payday loan shops, hot food takeaways and launderettes (up to 150m²) to residential.
Class L — HMOs (3–6 residents) to individual flats or a house.
Not sure which class applies? Submit your project details and Andrew will advise you on the most appropriate route — free of charge on initial enquiry.
Submit your project details using the form below. Andrew will review the building, identify the most suitable PD class, and confirm whether your project qualifies — with no obligation.
Our in-house drawing service produces the floor plans and elevations required for the prior approval application. These are specifically designed to satisfy PD requirements — not just architectural drawings, but strategically created to demonstrate compliance.
We prepare a comprehensive application statement addressing each of the material considerations the Local Authority is permitted to assess. This is where applications are won or lost — and where our 100% success rate is earned.
We submit the application on your behalf and manage all correspondence with the Local Planning Authority through to decision. You are kept informed at every stage.
Prior approval granted. Your 56-day clock starts. Time to build.
100% Success Rate — Every prior approval application we have submitted has been approved. We do not submit applications we are not confident in.
In-House Drawings — No expensive architects required for the planning stage. Our drawings are specifically created to satisfy PD requirements, saving you both cost and time.
Expert Knowledge — Andrew has been investing in commercial property since 2005 and has deep expertise in the PD regulations across every applicable class. He knows not just the rules, but how to work with — and around — the way Local Authorities interpret them.
End-to-End Service — From initial assessment to granted approval, we manage everything. One point of contact. No handoffs. No gaps.
PEAS Accredited — Property With Andrew is accredited under the Property Educators Accreditation Scheme, demonstrating commitment to professional standards. See our completed projects and results.
Approved and ready to develop — but want expert guidance through the build? Explore Andrew's coaching and mentoring programmes.