Commercial Planning Permission Solicitors

The intricacies of planning permission can be difficult to navigate, leading to a sometimes long and complex journey. At Blacks Legal our priority is to demystify the process and work closely with you to achieve your desired outcome. Whether you are making alterations to existing premises or wanting to expand and adapt a new business location, we will support and guide you through the details to ensure your project moves forward successfully.

Do I need Planning Permission?

Understanding what is, and is not, allowed when it comes to planning permission can be confusing. Blacks Legal simplifies this for you, providing clear guidance around when it’s necessary for your commercial projects. For example, you may need planning permission if you are undertaking any of the following changes:

If you intend to change the designated use of a property, planning permission is typically required. This includes alterations from residential to commercial use or vice versa.

Constructing new buildings or extending existing structures.

Major alterations to the external appearance or structure of a building.

Any alterations to listed buildings, both interior and exterior, require Listed Building Consent.

If your project falls within a conservation area, planning permission is vital.

Certain developments can be made without the need for a formal planning application. This allows a degree of flexibility when making changes, but it’s important to understand the local planning authorities’ restrictions. 

Projects with potential environmental impact may require extra initial planning. For large, or environmentally sensitive projects you may need to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Types Of Planning Permission

Our dedicated commercial planning permission solicitors at Blacks Legal excel in providing comprehensive legal support for a range of applications. We understand however that each case is personal and we pride ourselves on offering a customised approach to your situation. This may involve one or several of the following applications.

Outline Planning Permission

This initial permission establishes the general principles of a development without delving into specific details. It offers a broad scope, providing a foundation for more detailed planning applications.

Full Planning Permission

Full planning permission is needed for a comprehensive understanding of the proposed development. It covers all relevant aspects, including architectural design, environmental impact, and land use considerations.

Change of Use Planning Permission

You may need this type of permission if you are planning to change the intended/original use of the building or area, ie residential to commercial.

Listed Building Consent

Alterations (even minor ones), extensions or demolitions of listed property requires planning permission.

Reserved Matters Permission

Following the grant of outline planning permission, reserved matters permission is sought to finalise specific details such as design, landscaping, and layout.

Lawful Development Certificate

A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) confirms that an existing or proposed use of land is lawful. Whilst this isn’t a permission as such, it is often used to confirm whether you will need to make a planning permission application.

Permitted Development Rights

Permitted Development Rights allow for automatic planning permission for certain minor alterations. There are however limits, which we can discuss with you.

Planning Appeals

In the event of a planning application rejection, a review or reconsideration can be sought from the Planning Inspectorate.

FAQ

The Town & Country Planning Order (1987, and amended in 2020) set out a series of rules to cover which ‘use class’ commercial dwellings covered. This can be helpful when understanding the way land or buildings can be used. For example, you may not need planning permission if the use stays within the same class that the building or land is currently situated in.
After obtaining planning permission, there is a three-year limit to begin development or the permission may lapse.
Yes, you can make either a non-material amendment application or a minor material amendment application. The Town and Country Planning Act outlines what changes are included in both of these applications. We can however discuss this with you at your appointment.

Contact Us

Our highly experienced lawyers will ensure that your matter is dealt with as efficiently as possible, in order to facilitate a smooth process. We aim to help you every step of the way, making sure you're always aware of what's going on with your case and what still needs to be done, without any jargon. Call us today to book an appointment with a law firm you can trust.
Contact Form

We’re here to help

Our friendly solicitors are on hand to offer advice and support by phone, email, virtual appointment, and in our local offices.
Call us on
020 3835 3802
Office Address

What Our Clients Say

We pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of law support to our clients which is why we continuously look at ways to improve our services through client feedback.
checkmark-circle