If you own any commercial property, it's quite likely that
you'll end up needing commercial planning permission at some
point.  Here's our guide on everything you need to know.

You'll need to apply for planning permission if you:

Build anything new (such as additional parking, garages,
etc).

Make any major changes to your existing building, such as
adding extensions.

Change the overall use of your building (such as a
converting it from a warehouse to an office).

To find out if you need business planning permission, get in
touch with
your local planning authority (LPA).

So, how do you do that?

How to apply for commercial planning
permission

The easiest way to apply for planning permission is to use
this online tool. Again, if you have any queries your LPA
should be able to help.

When is business planning permission not
applicable?

There are some building projects that don't require planning
permission due to what's known as 'permitted development
rights'.  These include:

Some industrial premises or
warehouses. This isn't automatic, however; there
are a number of
limits and conditions in place.

Some outdoor signs and advertisements.
Again, there are
specific rules in place.

Demolition projects. Demolition
projects must be approved by your LPA

These are the major projects that don't typically require
business planning permission, but other exceptions can be
made.  Check with your LPA.

The other major thing to consider is community rights.  If
your building benefits the local community and is supported by
them, it's possible that standard planning permission might not be
required.  Community
Right to Build will let your community grant permission itself
under certain circumstances.

What happens once you've applied?

Once you've made your application, your LPA will decide whether
or not to grant you commercial planning permission.  They'll
take into account things like:

The number, size, layout, siting and external appearance of
the buildings.

Available infrastructure, such as roads and water
supply.

Any landscaping required in the project.

What the development will be used for.

Whether your development will affect the surrounding area in
terms of traffic, etc.

Typically, planning permission applications will be approved or
denied within eight weeks, or about 13 weeks for longer, more
complicated projects.  If the decision takes any longer, you
can appeal.

How do you do this?

Appealing

If your application is refused, you may be able to come to an
agreement with your LPA by adjusting the plans slightly.  You
should be aware that appeals can take several months to be
processed.

You can, however, only appeal in certain specific situations,
such as if your LPA:

Refuses your application.

Grants you permission, but there are conditions to the
permission that you object to.

Refuses to approve anything referred to as an 'outline
permission', i.e. planning permission for an idea rather than a
specific plan.

Refuses approval for something that was previously demanded
by them as a condition (i.e. if you've developed a building as part
of obtaining planning permission on a previous project).

Doesn't make a decision by the deadline, and doesn't obtain
permission to alter the deadline.

Serves you with an enforcement notice because it thinks you
might have broken planning permission, and you disagree.

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