Do I need planning permission to change the use of a property?

Planning permission may be required to change the use of a property, even if no building works are involved. Many minor changes of use, or changes which do not affect the overall use of the property, do not require planning permission. Planning permission is not normally required when both the present and proposed uses fall within the same class as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. It is also in some cases possible to change uses from one class to another without making an application.

We recommend that you write in to the Development Control team at Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford upon Avon CV37 6HX, identifying the property and setting out the details of your proposed change. We will then advise you in writing whether you need planning permission for your proposal.

Householders should use the Householder Enquiry Form.

Useful forms and links can be found on the right hand side of this page.