Lawful-use and policy review
We examine the existing lawful use, planning history, local policy, Article 4 directions and site designations.
Residential architecture service
Change of Use Architect
A change of use succeeds when the lawful use, planning route, building constraints and operating model are tested together. We assess whether permitted development, prior approval, a lawful-development application or full planning permission is the appropriate route before the layout is fixed.
Suitable for
Projects we can support.
- Commercial buildings to residential use
- Offices and shops to flats
- Agricultural buildings and barns
- Care, supported-living and children’s-home proposals
- HMOs and subdivision into flats
Our process
A structured route through the project.
Route and viability appraisal
Permitted development, prior approval and full-planning options are tested against the building, intended use and commercial objectives.
Conversion design
Layouts address access, daylight, amenity, refuse, cycle storage, parking, servicing, fire strategy and the existing structure.
Application and coordination
We prepare or coordinate the drawings, statements and specialist information required for the selected route.
Typical deliverables
What the appointment may include.
The final scope is confirmed in a written fee proposal tailored to the property and approval route.
Planning and lawful-use appraisal
Existing and proposed drawings
Prior-approval or planning submission
Planning Statement or supporting evidence
Space-standard and amenity review
Consultant and Building Regulations coordination
RIBA-aligned scope
Clear stages and responsibilities.
The appointment is aligned to the RIBA Plan of Work stages that are proportionate to a residential project.
Stage 0: strategic use and site appraisal
Stage 1: brief, evidence and consultant scope
Stage 2: conversion options and viability testing
Stage 3: prior approval or planning submission
Stage 4: technical conversion design where appointed
Indicative timescales.
- Initial feasibility: usually 1–3 weeks
- Measured survey and conversion options: commonly 2–5 weeks
- Application preparation: commonly 3–8 weeks depending on evidence and consultants
- Authority determination: dependent on the selected statutory route
Proportionate fixed scopes.
Change-of-use work is priced around the building, number of units, evidence available, selected approval route and specialist inputs. A focused feasibility stage can be commissioned before a full application.
Use the fee calculatorSeparate appointments and costs.
- Local authority application fees
- Planning counsel or specialist planning consultant fees
- Transport, noise, contamination, flood, ecology or heritage reports
- Structural, civil and fire-engineering design
- CQC, Ofsted, licensing or operational registration
- Financial viability and market valuation
Independent client feedback
Clear advice and dependable communication.
Great service! David was on time with the plans, and his advice has been invaluable throughout the process.Verified homeownerView on MyBuilder
David was a pleasure to deal with throughout. He was easy to talk to and nothing was too much.Verified homeownerView on Checkatrade
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this service.
Does every change of use need full planning permission?
No. Some changes may fall within permitted development or another lawful route, while others require full planning permission. The existing lawful use, proposed use, Article 4 controls and detailed limitations must be checked first.
Can you assess a building before purchase?
Yes. A pre-purchase appraisal can identify the likely planning route, layout capacity, major technical constraints and specialist reports that may affect viability.
Is prior approval the same as full planning permission?
No. Prior approval assesses specified matters under a permitted-development class. Full planning permission considers the proposal under the development plan and other material considerations.
Do planning approval and Building Regulations cover the same issues?
No. Planning addresses land use and development impacts; Building Regulations deal with technical requirements such as structure, fire safety, ventilation, accessibility and energy performance.
Discuss your project
Speak directly with a residential architect.
Call now or book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss the property, approval route and likely next steps.