Can a commercial property be converted to residential?

The quick answer is yes, you can convert a commercial property into a residential dwelling or dwellings. You will almost certainly need planning permission in the first instance, so let’s take a look at the steps taken in the process of converting commercial to residential.

Is the commercial property an exception?

Many commercial properties are now eligible to be converted to residential dwellings, however some may have an exception order on them. This depends on whether the building is in a conservation area or national park, for example. Our local area, The Cotswolds is well known for its many areas of outstanding natural beauty, so this would constitute an exception.

And of course, if the commercial use included hazardous activities such as military explosive zones. Converting a petrol station into residential property, or rather land occupied by such a service has special orders and guidelines on it, dealing with potential contamination which should be considered before building can commence.

What ‘use class’ is the commercial property?

You will be changing the class of the property from commercial to residential, so you will need to know what the original class is;

Class A – Retail, food, professional services such as hair and beauty

Class B – Offices, warehouses and storage facilities. This is the most common choice for conversion to residential property

Class C – Residential properties with a charitable or commercial purpose such as care homes and hotels

Class D – Schools, doctor surgeries, cinemas and other miscellaneous commercial properties. These are popular for much larger residential buildings and in our experience, are a lot of fun to work on!

Do you need planning permission to convert commercial property into residential?

A simple web search of ‘planning permission’, followed by your county should return the page you need to help you get started. Approval is usually needed for the most popular conversion projects, including those in classes A and B.

Among the documents you’ll need to apply for planning permission with are:

(Normally) Electronic application submission form – found on the planning portal of your local authority
Certificate of ownership
Agricultural holdings certificate – even if there are no agri holdings on the land
Drawings and/or plans – of the site and locations
Design and access statement – detailing the finished look and accessibility if there is a change to the present
Fire statement – only if your building is more than 18 metres or seven storeys tall
Application fee – variable upon location

NB: Altering the exterior including windows and doorways, will mean you’ll need to apply for planning permission, regardless of the building use class and size.

Get plans and budgets for your commercial property refurbishment

It’s never too early to bring the professionals in on your plans to convert a commercial property into residential. We would recommend a conversation with a structural engineer, architect and refurb company, all of whom can recommend people they work well with for true collaboration on your project. These firms with local expertise will be a source of invaluable information and advice.

It’s worth bearing in mind that a set of structural drawings and an architectural drawings differ greatly, and the planning process may require both.

Working with Refurb to convert your commercial property into residential dwellings

Refurb act as principal contractor for commercial refurbishment projects and so we have a ‘little black book’ or trusted professionals we can put you in touch with.

Working together, we will help you realise the design, get plans drawn up and budgets in place, including the full cost of the project. This not only helps you plan each stage of the conversion project but allows you to submit all the necessary documents for planning permission from one source.

For an example of our work, please visit the portfolio to view the gallery of Middle Way, the conversion of a small office block to five flats.