PD Planning Service

Commercial to Residential
PD Planning & Drawing Service

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.

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100% PD Application Success Rate
56 Day Local Authority Decision Window
20+ Years Property Investment Experience

Why Use Permitted Development for Your Commercial Conversion?

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 to 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 full planning permission at all.

Feasibility Service

Know Before You Commit

Before spending time and money on a building, get a clear picture of whether it's worth pursuing. Andrew's PD feasibility assessment checks every relevant factor and gives you a straight answer — so you can move forward with confidence or move on to the next opportunity.

Available as a one-off assessment or as part of an ongoing retainer for clients regularly evaluating sites. If the building doesn't stack up under PD, you'll know quickly — and so will your clients.

Enquire About a Site Assessment

What the Assessment Covers

  • Applicable PD class and whether the building meets the criteria
  • Article 4 directions — are PD rights restricted or removed in this area?
  • Flood zone status and whether a flood risk report will be required
  • Floorspace limits and realistic unit count potential
  • Known Local Authority considerations or sensitivities
  • Whether prior approval is likely to be straightforward or complex
  • Clear recommendation: pursue, investigate further, or move on

Which Permitted Development Class Applies to Your Building?

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.

MA
Commercial, Business & Service Use to Residential

Converts Class E buildings — offices, retail, professional services — to residential. Covers ground and upper floors up to the floorspace limit. The most commonly applicable class.

G
Upper Floors Above Commercial to Flats

Converts upper floors above a commercial unit to up to 2 flats. Ideal for mixed-use buildings where the ground floor commercial use is retained.

P
Storage & Distribution to Residential

Converts storage and distribution centres (Class B8) to residential dwellings.

Q
Agricultural Buildings to Residential

Converts agricultural buildings to residential dwellings.

M
Betting Shops, Takeaways & Launderettes to Residential

Converts betting offices, payday loan shops, hot food takeaways and launderettes (up to 150m²) to residential.

L
HMOs to Individual Flats or a House

Converts HMOs (3 to 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.

How Our PD Planning Service Works

From first contact to granted approval, we manage the entire process so you can focus on the development.

1

Submit Your Project Details

Use the contact form to tell Andrew about your building. He will review it, identify the most suitable PD class, and confirm whether your project qualifies — no obligation.

2

In-House Drawings Produced

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.

3

Application Statement Prepared

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 success rate is earned.

4

Application Submitted & Managed

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.

5

Prior Approval Granted

Your prior approval is secured. Time to build.

From Drawing to Approval

This is what we produce on every project — and what the Local Authority sees when they make their decision.

Example permitted development floor plan drawing produced by Property With Andrew

Planning Drawings

In-house floor plans and elevations produced to the standard Local Planning Authorities expect. Every drawing is considered, detailed, and strategically put together to support the application — not just a box-ticking exercise.

Prior approval decision notices granted by Local Planning Authorities

Prior Approval Granted

The end result of every application we submit. Each decision notice confirms that the Local Planning Authority is satisfied and prior approval has been granted — clearing the way for your conversion to begin.

Why Choose Property With Andrew for Your PD Application?

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 PD regulations across every applicable class. He knows not just the rules, but how 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? Explore Andrew's coaching and mentoring programmes.

Ready to Get Your Prior Approval Moving?

Tell Andrew about your project and get an expert assessment of your permitted development options, free of charge on initial enquiry.

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