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Converting Offices to Homes: Permitted Development Rights Explained

Prior approval, not full planning, but with conditions.

Converting Offices to Homes: Permitted Development Rights Explained Property Investment & Wealth Building

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Development · Class MA

Office-to-residential conversions

Class MAPD right
Priorapproval
Spacestandards
Article 4in London
In short: Class MA permitted development allows many buildings in Use Class E, including offices and shops, to be converted to homes without a full planning application, through a prior approval process. The council considers matters such as transport, contamination, flooding, noise, natural light to habitable rooms, fire safety for taller buildings and, in conservation areas, the effect of losing ground-floor commercial use. Homes must meet nationally described space standards. Many London boroughs and the City use Article 4 directions to remove the right in key areas, so check locally first.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission?

Prior approval under Class MA, where it applies.

Does it apply everywhere?

Not where Article 4 directions remove it.

Planning a conversion?

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