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Do I need planning permission to combine 3 existing retail units into 1 larger retail unit?
Obviously planning permission will be required for external alterations but not sure about the combination. It's not a change of use as existing use is already retail. Don't want to involve the LPA just yet.
cheers
I'd just phone the planning dept with a hypothetical question.
They're fairly approachable, ime.
Yes you would. The planning is likely to stipulate 3x units with specified classes from the list below. Even if they are all A1 the council may be reluctant to grant a A1 planning for a single larger unit.
• A1 Shops - Shops, retail warehouses, hairdressers, undertakers, travel and ticket agencies, post offices (but not sorting offices), pet shops, sandwich bars, showrooms, domestic hire shops, dry cleaners, funeral directors and internet cafes.
• A2 Financial and professional services - Financial services such as banks and building societies, professional services (other than health and medical services) including estate and employment agencies and betting offices.
• A3 Restaurants and cafés - For the sale of food and drink for consumption on the premises - restaurants, snack bars and cafes.
• A4 Drinking establishments - Public houses, wine bars or other drinking establishments (but not night clubs).
• A5 Hot food takeaways - For the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises.
Mr Planning officer said 'no' (as planning class use remains the same)