Planning support for business

Planning for Commercial and Business

Planning permission may be required for a wide variety of development, whether it be new building works or changes in the use of land or buildings.

The Planning Portal provides an introductory description of the planning system. It explains how/why to apply for planning permission and much more. 

Barnet Council has also published a number of Planning Policy documents that might help you and these can be found at the following link:

Commercial Properties

Most alterations to business premises do need formal planning permission from the Council, including:

• All shop and office extensions.
• Alterations to shop fronts.
• External security shutters or grilles.
• Changes of Use.

If you want to change the use of a building or a piece of land, you may also need planning permission. It is always worth checking if you need permission, before you undertake any work.

Planning permission is not usually needed when both the existing and proposed new uses fall within the same 'Use Class'. The Summary of the Use Classes Order will give you an idea of which 'Class' your use falls into. It is also possible to change uses between some classes without making an application.

Running a business from home

Many small businesses are started by people working in their own homes and many more people are now working at home than they were prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Home-working does not necessarily require planning permission.

Permission is not usually required where the use of a small part of a dwelling-house for business purposes does not change the overall character of the property's use as a single dwelling. For example; the use by a householder of a room as an office or child minding business. This is as long as it is complying with the Department of Health's standard recommended ratios.

This depends on:

• the number of visitors to the property
• whether anyone else is employed at the house
• whether any signage or advertising is installed at the property

Once the non-residential use of the property is the main use of the property, planning permission is likely required. For example, the business has grown and use of the dwelling for the business has intensified. This would be a material change of use of the property, requiring planning permission.

If you are in any doubt you may apply for a Certificate of Lawful Use for the proposed activity which will then confirm if a formal change of use is proposed.