Planning Guides

Upper floors to flats, shops to homes and mixed-use conversions in Sunderland and the North East – planning route, fire strategy and Building Regulations from one team.

Planning, Lawful Development Certificates and Building Regulations for HMOs in Newcastle and the North East, including Article 4 areas. Check the route before you buy.

Rear, side and two-storey extensions in Newcastle, designed around your home and neighbours and taken through planning and Building Regulations by one team.

What is a Change of Use? In UK planning, every building has a lawful use class. Residential dwellings fall under Class C3, while houses in multiple occupation (up to 6 occupants) fall under Class C4. Most commercial activities—such as shops, offices, cafes, gyms, and clinics—are categorized under the broad Class E, which was introduced in 2020. Some uses, like pubs, hot food takeaways, and large HMOs, are classified as 'Sui Generis'. This means they sit outside any class and

Newcastle's Article 4 Direction means most HMO conversions need full planning permission. Here is how the C3 to C4 rules work, and what licensing and Building Regulations add on top.