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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Do you need permission?
  3. Common projects
  4. Shops
  5. I want to change a residential building or land into a shop

Shops

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  1. I want to change a residential building or land into a shop
  2. I want to convert a shop to a café, public house or takeaway
  3. I want to erect/change/alter a shop advert, fascia or projecting sign
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I want to change a residential building or land into a shop

Planning Permission

The planning system defines the different uses of buildings and separates them into different classes. In most cases planning permission is required to change the use of a building from one class to another, although permitted development rights do allow for some uses to change to a different use without the need for planning permission. See our pages on Change of Use for more detailed information.

Planning permission will almost certainly be required for the change of use of a residential property to a retail use.

The majority of local authorities have designated shopping or commercial areas within their planning policies where shops and other commercial uses are encouraged. It is likely to be very difficult to gain permission for retail use outside of these areas, especially in an area that might otherwise be wholly residential.

Read the guidance on the use classes within planning.


Building Regulations

The regulations define converting a home into a shop as a 'material change of use' and specify the requirements with which, as a result of that change of use, the building, or the relevant part of the building, must comply.

The specific requirements include those concerned with escape and other fire precautions, hygiene, energy conservation, and access to and use of buildings.

The building may therefore need to be upgraded to make it comply with the specified requirements.

You should also check with the local fire authority, usually the County Council, to see what 'ongoing' fire precautions legislation will apply when the building is in use.

Find a Trade Professional

Use our partner directories to find a planning or building professional to help with your project or development.

Find a professional (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional)

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Useful links

Make an application (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/app/applications)

Make an application

Speak to an expert (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/planning-guidance-service)

Speak to an expert

Studio Charrette consultancy calculator (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/home-improvement/planning-consultancy-calculator)

Studio Charrette consultancy calculator

Sell your site with Land Match (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/commercial-developments/sell-your-site)

Sell your site with Land Match

      Disclaimer

      This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Guidance is based on national rules, but additional local rules may also affect what permissions are needed. You should check if this is the case before applying or starting work.
      Guidance here relates to the planning regime for England, the policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your local planning authority. Please note, local authorities may charge a fee for pre-application advice.
      Read our full disclaimer.


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          The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.