Planning and Building Regulations

Before you start work on renovating or converting your empty property always make sure that you check what planning conditions may apply. Check if you need to apply for planning permission for the works you intend to do as well as finding out what building regulations requirements you need to meet.

Your property may also be in a conservation area or be listed so again you will need to ensure that your renovation plans comply with all relevant requirements.

For more information follow the links below.

Empty Flats Above Shops

For a limited period, the government has relaxed the laws for change of planning use class from commercial to residential in some cases. This means that in some circumstances commercial to residential use is seen as a permitted development and does not need a full planning application. For empty shop units outside the main retail centres this may provide owners with an opportunity to convert their whole building to residential use.

For more information on planning policy visit your relevant local authority website or contact them on the telephone number given below.

Bath and North East Somerset Council

www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control

Tel. 01225 394041

Bristol City Council

www.bristol.gov.uk/page/planning-and-building-regulations

Tel. 0117 922 3000

North Somerset

www.n-somerset.gov.uk/environment

Tel. 01934 888 888

South Gloucestershire Council

www.southglos.gov.uk/environment-and-planning