Office to Residential Conversions: Planning and Practicalities

In short: In England, many commercial buildings in Class E, including offices, can be converted to homes under the Class MA permitted development right, subject to prior approval covering issues such as transport, contamination, flooding, noise, natural light and the impact of introducing homes. New homes must meet nationally described space standards. Many London boroughs use Article 4 directions to remove this right in key areas, so full planning permission is needed there. Building regulations and fire safety apply in full. Fraser Bond can advise on end values for converted homes.