Change of use, A1 to A5

[John J]

I'm intending applying for 'Change of Use' from A1 (shop) to A5 (hot food takeaway), possibly eat in. This is with a view to making the property easier to let - it's currently empty.

Can anyone advise what documentation I need to present the council's planning department with? Do I need to supply drawings, maps etc as if I was applying to alter the building's structure? I'm not intending making any alterations to the building, that will be down to a new tenant - and of course they will have to apply for PP for external flues etc.

I assume I'll need an architect to handle this, could anyone suggest a suitable candidate in South Trafford?

The planning dept at my local authority are well behind in handling enquiries (8-9 weeks), hence my query here.

Thanks in anticipation.

John

[quarterday]

there are National firms of planning consultants who specialise in nothing but conversions to A5; however what I suggest you do is trawl through planning results for similar applications in your local area and see if you can find any who have been successful in your locality in the last few years; then approach such firms to discuss the subject property.

It shouldn't be the case, but it generally is that local firms of planning consultants and architects have a higher success rate than National Firms. Quite often these firms employ former staff of the planning depts to which they are applying, and, behind the scenes, the merits of applications are considered over a coffee or a game of squash! Such is my experience.

[pdk]

You need to look at what planning poilcy says about the frontage the shop is in. Also, dont just lob the application in but make sure you have a planning statement that refers to planning poilcy, not just design and access... I am a planner so tocuh base if you have problems... Peter

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