How do you turn a commercial property into a residential one?
THANKS! :D
Answers:
You need to get planning permission for a change of use. It depends on teh type of building whether your local council will grant planning permission for a change of use. For example, a warehouse on an industrial estate will probably never get planning granted. However if you live abouve a small shop that is now empty and you want to convert that then you stand a good chance. You need to check out the Use Classes Order for that building:
(Use Classes Order
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 puts uses of land and buildings into various categories. Planning permission is not needed for changes of use within the same use class.)
You will need to get detailed plans of any redevelopment work you want to do. If you are changing a shop front then you need to check out any local conservation area rules.
Your best bet is to contact the planning department of your local council (you can normally find their webiste easily) and phone them up with the specific details of the property you are interested in.
Fees for planning permission are set across the country and can be found here:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/.
Specific info on change of use is here:
http://www.planning-applications.co.uk/u.
Go to your city or county zonning office and ask.
Go to your local City Council meeting and watch for what others do. After a few sessions, you will know what to do. Every Council is different and the political agendas of the various members are what makes City government fun. Good Luck..
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