Trust the Experts at ARM Design & Build

Maximise Your Property’s Value With the Right Change of Use

At ARM Design & Build, we help turn your property ideas into reality. Whether you’re changing a house into offices, turning a shop into a café, or making flats from an old warehouse, we manage everything – from early checks to planning approval. Our team builds strong planning applications by using clear knowledge of the rules and careful research into your site and area.

We’ve worked on many retail, hospitality, home and business projects, so we know how to present your plans for success. You’ll get honest advice, fair pricing, and a smooth service – while we deal with the council to give you the best chance of approval. Let us help you get the most from your property.

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What is Change of Use?

Put simply, “change of use” means using a building or land for something different, like turning a shop into a home or an office into a café. In the UK, every property has an official use (such as residential or commercial), and switching it may need approval from your local council.

Sometimes you don’t need permission, especially if the new use falls under the same category (called a “use class”). But in other cases, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. Since the rules can be confusing, it’s always a good idea to speak with a building surveyor or your Local Planning Authority before starting anything.

Here are examples to help you understand how it works in practice:

Converting a garage into a living space? You might need permission.
Turning a restaurant into a shop? It depends on the "use class."

Types of Use Classes

The UK’s Use Classes Order categorises buildings based on their function. Major changes came into effect in September 2020, removing old classes (A, B, D) and introducing new ones. Below are the current use classes (as of 2022):

Class B – Industrial & Storage

Class C – Residential

Class E – Commercial, Business & Service

Class F – Community & Learning

Sui Generis – Unique Uses

Buildings with no standard class, requiring specific permissions:

Do I Need to Apply for a Change of Use Class?

It depends. Some changes fall under permitted development, so you might not need full planning permission, but you may still need prior approval or a lawful development certificate. Other changes, like switching to a new use class or a “sui generis” use, usually do need full permission.

The rules can change based on your property type and where it’s located. So whether you’re in Manchester, London, Birmingham, or Liverpool, always check with your local council or a planning expert first. For example, turning an office (Class E) into a home (Class C3) in Camden or Ancoats may follow different rules than doing it in Moseley or Toxteth. Getting proper advice helps you stay on the right track.

Why Choose Us?

How ARM Design & Build Solves Your Change of Use Challenges?

1. Confused by Complex Regulations?

We make sense of planning laws and use class changes for you. Whether you’re in Camden, Ancoats, Edgbaston, or Wavertree, we’ll keep your project legal and avoid costly council trouble.

2. Worried About Rejection?

Our team prepares strong, clear applications and works with local councils across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool, giving you the best shot at quick approval with less stress.

3. Not Sure Where to Start?

We start with a full feasibility check of your property in areas like Shoreditch, Didsbury, or Harborne, spotting problems early so you can plan with confidence.

5. Struggling to Maximize Value?

From turning lofts in Toxteth to reusing shops in Hackney, we help you use space wisely, raise property value, and meet what the market wants.

Turning Blueprints into Reality

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Whether you’re planning to improve your home in Manchester, buy a property in London, or need advice in Birmingham or Liverpool, give us a call. We’re here to listen, guide you, and support you every step of the way.

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