Eligibility audit
We verify the lawful use, continuous qualifying-use period, planning history, designations, Article 4 position and statutory exclusions.
Residential architecture service
Class MA Commercial to Residential
Class MA can provide a route from a qualifying Class E commercial, business or service use to Class C3 dwellinghouses. It is not an automatic consent: the use history, exclusions, Article 4 position, residential layout and specified prior-approval matters must be evidenced before development begins.
Suitable for
Projects we can support.
- Vacant or underused offices
- Qualifying shops and commercial premises
- Former Class E health, nursery or leisure buildings
- Upper-floor commercial accommodation
- Commercial buildings being tested for flats or apartments
Our process
A structured route through the project.
Capacity and standards test
We test unit mix, natural light, access, circulation, nationally described space standards and the physical constraints of the building.
Prior-approval strategy
Transport, contamination, flood risk, commercial noise, industrial context, service loss and fire matters are scoped where applicable.
Submission and technical handover
The application evidence and drawings are coordinated, with a separate Building Regulations stage available after approval.
Typical deliverables
What the appointment may include.
The final scope is confirmed in a written fee proposal tailored to the property and approval route.
Class MA eligibility report
Use-history evidence schedule
Existing and proposed plans
Area and space-standard schedule
Prior-approval submission
Specialist consultant brief and 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: acquisition and eligibility review
Stage 1: evidence, brief and consultant strategy
Stage 2: residential capacity and layout design
Stage 3: prior-approval submission
Stage 4: technical conversion design where appointed
Indicative timescales.
- Eligibility review: usually 1–2 weeks after evidence is received
- Survey and capacity layouts: commonly 2–4 weeks
- Consultant reports and submission: commonly 3–8 weeks
- Development must follow the statutory timescale attached to the prior approval
Proportionate fixed scopes.
Class MA fees depend on building size, proposed dwelling numbers, quality of the use-history evidence and the number of prior-approval matters requiring specialist reports.
Use the fee calculatorSeparate appointments and costs.
- Local authority prior-approval fee
- Transport, noise, contamination, flood and fire consultant reports
- Legal opinion on disputed lawful use
- Structural investigations and intrusive surveys
- Building Regulations and warranty services unless appointed
- Acquisition, valuation and development finance advice
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.
What does Class MA allow?
Class MA permits the change of use of a qualifying building and its curtilage from Class E commercial, business and service use to Class C3 dwellinghouses, subject to the detailed limitations and prior-approval process.
How long must the building have been in a qualifying use?
The current Class MA rule requires the building’s use to have fallen within the specified qualifying classes for a continuous period of at least two years before the prior-approval application.
Is there still a 1,500 square metre Class MA limit?
No. The former floorspace limit was removed in March 2024. This does not remove the other eligibility tests, exclusions, space standards or prior-approval matters.
Does Class MA apply in every town centre?
No. Listed buildings and certain designated sites are excluded, and an Article 4 direction may remove the right locally. The property and current planning controls must be checked.
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.