21st Jul 2025

Change Of Use From Commercial To Residential Class MA

Commercial to Residential Conversion Under Class MA (Permitted Development Rights)

In England, certain commercial-to-residential conversions can be carried out under Permitted Development Rights (PDR), specifically Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) 2015 (as amended).

This allows you to convert qualifying commercial properties into residential dwellings without the need for full planning permission. However, you must still apply for Prior Approval from your local planning authority, something our team at DWG Plans Sussex can assist you with from start to finish.

What Does Class MA Allow?

Change of use from:
Class E – Commercial, Business and Service (including shops, offices, gyms, nurseries, restaurants, and similar uses)

To:
Class C3 – Residential (self-contained homes or flats)

Key Class MA Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• The property must have been in Class E use for at least 2 years prior to the application.
• It must have been vacant for a continuous period of at least 3 months before submitting your Prior Approval application.
• Applies only to buildings with a total floorspace under 1,500 square metres.

Location Restrictions

Class MA is not permitted if the building is located:

• Within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• In a listed building
• Inside a safety hazard area
• Within National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or World Heritage Sites
• In Article 4 areas where the local council has restricted Permitted Development Rights

What Prior Approval Covers

When applying for Prior Approval, the local planning authority will assess factors such as:

• Transport and highway impacts
• Contamination and flood risk
• Noise from nearby commercial uses
• Natural light provision in habitable rooms
• Fire safety (for buildings over 18 metres or 7+ storeys)
• Impact on nearby business operations

Documents Required for a Class MA Application

You’ll need to provide:

• Completed Prior Approval application form
• Existing and proposed floor plans
• Evidence of vacancy (minimum 3 months)
• Proof of historic Class E use
• Relevant technical reports (e.g., flood risk, noise, or transport assessments)
• Application fee

DWG Plans Sussex can manage the entire Class MA process for you — from preparing drawings and reports to liaising with the local authority until a decision is reached.

Important Notes

• Full planning permission is still required if your project does not meet Class MA criteria.
• All new dwellings must meet the Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS).
• Homes must provide adequate natural light in all habitable rooms.
• Local authorities may remove Permitted Development Rights in sensitive areas using Article 4 Directions, so it’s always best to check local policies first.

Need professional help with your Class MA conversion?
DWG Plans Sussex can guide you through every stage ensuring your commercial-to-residential project is fully compliant and smoothly approved.

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