Converting a Home to a Shop: Planning & Building Rules

Planning Permission

If you're thinking about changing a building's purpose, such as turning your home into a shop, you'll almost certainly need to obtain planning permission. This is because the planning system classifies different ways buildings are used into specific 'Use Classes'. Transforming a house or flat into a retail establishment represents a substantial alteration in the property's function, making permission highly probable.

Your local council usually has specific areas marked out where shops and businesses are encouraged. If your proposed shop is outside one of these zones, especially in an area that's mostly residential homes, getting planning permission can prove very tough.

Building Regulations

When you transform your home into a shop, Building Regulations consider this a 'material change of use'. This crucial classification means that the entire building, or at least the part you're converting, must meet new, specific standards because of its altered purpose.

These important standards cover several key areas:

• Providing safe escape routes and other crucial fire safety measures.

• Upholding strict hygiene provisions.

• Ensuring efficient energy usage.

• Facilitating accessible entry and use of the premises for all.

Consequently, you will probably need to carry out upgrades to the property to satisfy these detailed requirements.

Crucially, always get in touch with your local fire authority – often your County Council – to fully understand the continuous fire safety laws that will apply once your new shop opens for business.