From 1st August properties which currently fall within Use Class E, including shops, restaurants, offices, nurseries, light industrial buildings and health clinics will be able to be converted into residential, following the introduction of Class MA, through permitted development.

There is now only nine days until this new use class comes into force, which will give property owners a significant opportunity to cash-in on the local area’s booming residential market.

Under Class MA property owners can convert up to 1,500 square metres of building into residential which can include both the ground and uppers up to the floorspace limit. All new dwellings must meet the Nationally Described Space Standards and floor plans must also be included as part of the application. 

Please note that buildings will need to have been vacant for a period of three months prior to the application for Prior Approval and there are a range of limitations, including for listed buildings.

For further information, get in touch with the Cheffins Planning department on planning@cheffins.co.uk or t: 01223 271972