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Can I change my house to a shop with a flat above?
Yes, but this type of conversion will require full planning permission. This is because you’d be changing the use of the ground floor from residential to commercial (typically to a use class such as E), while the upper floor would remain as a residential flat (Class C3). The change of use triggers the need for planning approval.
Find out more about change of use
Common Questions
In most cases neither planning permission nor building control approval are required for replacing grass with artificial grass. If you live in a protected areas such as a conservation area, or listed building, it is best practice to contact your local planning authority to check whether any consents are required.
Find your local planning authority.
In most cases, yes - planning permission is required to operate a business from your garage. This is because the use would no longer be purely domestic, and the garage would be considered to have changed use from residential (Class C3) to a business-related use, which requires planning consent.
You likely will require advertisement consent to display a commercial advertisement outside your home, especially when the company does not operate from that location.
It is more likely that permission will be required where:
- the sign is over 0.3 square metres or illuminated
- the sign is visible from a road
- the building is listed or in a designated area then consent
Find out more about advertisement consent on Planning Portal.
A designated area is situated within a World Heritage Site, Conservation Area, Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area is protected by law due to its architectural or historic interest or landscape.
Due to this protection, there will be further limits on what you can do to your property if it is within such an area, for example building an extension, changes to the roof, or work to trees. Restrictions will be put in place and permitted development rights will not apply.
If you live in a designated area, you must seek advice from your local planning authority before starting any work.
Adding a new driveway to an unclassified road for access to a house or business falls under permitted development rights, meaning no application for planning permission is required.
If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
You will have to apply to the relevant highway authority for a dropped kerb if you wish to cross a pavement to access your property.
