Establish the conversion route before investing in detailed design.
A vacant shop or office can offer possibilities, but the route depends on the building and its history. We assess whether prior approval or a full planning application is the appropriate starting point.
How we can help.
- 01Initial review of planning routes and constraints
- 02Prior approval or full application coordination
- 03Planning statement and identification of supporting reports
For property acquisitions, early conversion studies and schemes that already have an architect or design team.
Know what you’re commissioning.
Your written fee proposal identifies which of these services are included and the extent of our involvement.
Building and use review
Review the existing and previous uses, planning history and constraints against the conversion you have in mind.
Application strategy
Assess the potential route and identify the drawings, surveys and supporting reports needed to take the proposal forward.
Planning documentation
Prepare the agreed supporting statement and coordinate a prior approval or full planning submission, as appropriate to the scheme.
Scope to agree: Measured surveys, architectural design, building regulations and specialist reports are separately scoped. The planning review is not a valuation or construction-cost appraisal.
How we work with you.
- 01 · Tell us about the project
Include its current or last use, any available floor plans and an outline of the homes you would like to create.
- 02 · Agree the work and fee
We discuss the support needed and provide a written proposal setting out deliverables, information required and separate costs before work starts.
- 03 · Prepare the agreed work
Once appointed, we carry out the review or prepare the agreed submission with input from you and your project team. Application work includes council liaison only to the extent set out in the appointment.
Preparation time depends on the information available and the work commissioned. Council decisions follow a separate timetable; approval and decision dates cannot be guaranteed.
Bring your idea.
We’ll help with the next step.
These details help us understand your proposal and agree the scope.
- Property address, current and previous uses
- Existing plans and proposed accommodation
- Details of previous applications and site constraints
Your questions answered.
Can every commercial building use Class MA?
No. Class MA is a specific permitted development route with eligibility requirements, exclusions and prior approval matters. We check the current requirements against the property; it is not an automatic approval.
Do we need completed drawings for an initial discussion?
No. Start with the address, building particulars, existing plans if available and your intended number of homes. We will identify the information needed for a useful initial review.
What determines the fee?
The application route, complexity, documents needed and extent of council liaison. We set out the agreed scope in a written quote. Further design changes, additional reports or work after the decision are separately agreed where outside that scope.
Planning guidance for England. The route depends on the site and proposal. Read the government’s planning guidance.
Tell us about the building you want to convert.
Include its current or last use, any available floor plans and an outline of the homes you would like to create.
Discuss your project