What’s actually happening with Converting Class E spaces?
Class MA within the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) offers a practical solution for repurposing commercial properties falling under Class E designation. This provision allows for the conversion of Class E spaces into residential units, providing a valuable opportunity for landlords with vacant or underutilized properties. Property investors and developers can also benefit from this streamlined process to enhance property value without the usual planning hurdles.
Class MA caters to various commercial activities encompassed within Class E, including shops, offices, gyms, and restaurants. By leveraging Class MA, stakeholders can adapt to changing economic conditions and evolving working practices, tapping into the shifting demands for commercial space. It offers a straightforward route to generating property wealth without the complexities of traditional planning procedures.
As the landscape of commercial real estate continues to evolve, Class MA presents numerous opportunities for revitalizing Class E properties. With its flexibility and ease of implementation, Class MA is poised to facilitate dynamic transformations in commercial property utilization in the years to come.
Class MA Planning: Commercial to Residential Conversion
To ensure compliance with the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), a Prior Approval planning application must be submitted to the local planning authority. This process incurs a fee of £100 per dwelling.
Expect a processing time of 56 days for the Prior Approval application. Once granted, you’ll have a three-year window from the approval date to commence the proposed works.
Update and Restrictions: Changes to Class MA
Effective from March 5th, 2024, the government has introduced significant revisions to Class MA, marking a pivotal shift in property development regulations. These changes eliminate the previous 1,500 sq meters size limit and the requirement for a building to be vacant for three months prior to submission. This alteration is poised to unlock fresh opportunities, particularly for buildings previously only partially converted, where remaining spaces were designated for offices. With the lifting of size limits and vacant prerequisites, property owners and developers can now enjoy enhanced flexibility and prospects.
However, despite these advancements, Class MA remains subject to certain restrictions outlined in the Prior Approval application process. Applicants must adhere to specific criteria to demonstrate compliance with Class MA of the GPDO. Initially, the building had to remain vacant for a continuous three-month period before application, but as of March 5th, 2024, this requirement will be waived. Additionally, the commercial building must have been under Class E use for a minimum of two years preceding the Prior Approval application. While the previous floorspace limit of 1,500 sq m will no longer apply post-March 5th, 2024, certain exclusions persist. Class MA won’t be applicable if the building is situated within specific designated areas, including sites of special scientific interest, listed buildings, safety hazard zones, or military explosives storage areas. Similarly, areas such as outstanding natural beauty spots, National Parks, or World Heritage Sites are also exempt from Class MA provisions. These constraints ensure responsible development practices while promoting sustainable growth within the regulatory framework.
Conditions, External Alterations, and Article 4 Restrictions
When considering a commercial-to-residential conversion under Class MA, it’s essential to understand the conditions, potential external alterations, and Article 4 restrictions that may apply. Here’s a breakdown:
Meeting Class MA Conditions: Before proceeding with a Prior Approval planning application, ensure that your project complies with Class MA conditions. These include assessing transportation impacts, contamination and flooding risks, noise considerations, and the impact on conservation areas. Adequate natural light provision, the relationship with neighboring industrial sites, and the potential loss of essential services like nurseries or health centers must also be addressed. Additionally, for buildings exceeding 18 meters in height or containing more than seven stories, fire risk assessments are mandatory. Furthermore, all dwellings must meet minimum national space standards as outlined in Article 3 of the GPDO.
Article 4 Restrictions: Local planning authorities may impose Article 4 restrictions on specific areas to control changes in land use, including the conversion of commercial spaces to residential use. It’s crucial to ascertain whether your project falls within an area subject to Article 4 restrictions to avoid potential complications.
External Alterations: If your project involves external alterations such as replacing windows, doors, or cladding, bear in mind that these modifications fall outside the scope of Class MA. In such cases, a full planning application will be necessary to gain approval for these works.
Exploring a Class E to Residential Conversion?
If you own a commercial unit falling under Class E of the GPDO and are considering converting it into residential units, Co-Arch is here to help. Our expert team can guide you through the process, ensuring compliance with Class MA regulations. From preparing the necessary plans to assisting with the Prior Approval application, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to embark on your conversion journey? Reach out to us at info@co-arch.co.uk and let’s discuss how we can turn your vision into reality.
