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Q&As
Do I need planning permission for the conversion of an old shop connected to a house?
We want to convert part of our property which used to be a shop. Change of use from a shop to residential was obtained a long time ago. The shop is connected to the house by a continuous roof though separated by a driveway which passes between the house and shop. Could the 'shop' be considered as an annexe or would full planning be required as a new dwelling? It will have its own kitchen, bathroom, living area and 2 bedrooms.
One Answer
Hi David,
You mention that change of use was obtained ‘a long time ago’ from a shop to residential. It would be beneficial to check how this planning was secured, ie was this through a planning permission — before permitted development rights enabled changes from commercial to residential use — and has this been implemented or has the permission expired?
If you are implementing this old planning permission, you would need to check what this actually permitted. It would have been defined in the application whether it was for a second dwelling house or for expansion of the existing residential unit.
In this case, the permission would have been for one or the other and if it was for one, a suitable permission would need to be sought for the other. Consideration could be given to whether this is achievable through a full planning permission or permitted development for change of use.
Julia Riddle (Build It planning expert)