Owners of commercial property may be interested to know about some new planning regulations – the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 - which came into force on 15th April 2015, giving greater flexibility to allow for limited development and changes of use without the need for express planning permission.

For example, it is now possible to convert distribution centres, amusement arcades and casinos up to a certain size into residential properties. As the regulations stand, however, the general right to change offices to residential use will still expire in April 2016, so property owners considering taking advantage of this would be well advised not to delay.

The new regulations are designed to provide extra flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. They allow shops, financial and professional services, betting offices, pay-day-loan shops and casinos to convert to restaurants and cafes, and shops to change to financial and professional services.

Retail shops can also erect click and collect facilities at their premises, and increase the size of their loading bay by up to 20%.

There are new rights to add extensions to commercial properties including shops, offices, industrial and warehouse buildings to help support business expansion.

However, planning permission will now be required though for a change of use of offices used for general financial services to betting offices and offices used for pay day loans.

These Regulations only relate to England, are subject to conditions including size restrictions, and do not apply to in National Parks, Conservation Areas, or to Listed Buildings, and may also be restricted by planning conditions previously imposed, so it is essential to check with the local authority or professional advisers before undertaking any change of use or development. Building Regulations consent will of course still always be required where applicable.

For further help and advice, please contact Jonathan Moore, Commercial Property Director at Lupton Fawcett Denison Till, on 01904 561407 or jonathan.moore@lf-dt.com