Commercial Unit Planning Query...

Juantorena

Not entirely sure this is the correct forum/sub-forum for this so apologies and please move if appropriate.

My sister is considering going it alone with a small business venture - would prefer not to state what that is just now. We're considering some strategies and costings and one option struck me when considering the premises side of things. Is it possible to establish a new retail unit above an existing one? Are there regulations/norms/precedents established for/against or controlling this or similar?

Any pointers or insight would be most welcome.

muffler

Juantorena wrote: »

Not entirely sure this is the correct forum/sub-forum for this so apologies and please move if appropriate.

My sister is considering going it alone with a small business venture - would prefer not to state what that is just now. We're considering some strategies and costings and one option struck me when considering the premises side of things. Is it possible to establish a new retail unit above an existing one? Are there regulations/norms/precedents established for/against or controlling this or similar?

Any pointers or insight would be most welcome.

I assume you're talking about a possible change of use from residential to retail. If so planning permission will be required, fire regs to comply with, disabled access to the unit, parking facilities etc etc.

Probably best to start with a pre planning meeting with your local planner.

Juantorena

muffler wrote: »

I assume you're talking about a possible change of use from residential to retail. If so planning permission will be required, fire regs to comply with, disabled access to the unit, parking facilities etc etc.

Probably best to start with a pre planning meeting with your local planner.

Thanks muffler.

I would presume a landlord would baulk at the idea of a planning application...

Would the above necessarily apply if for instance the current use was, say, office? And, in general terms, would what I'm (broadly, conscious I'm not giving too much away here) thinking about here be done ever/rarely and frowned upon/encouraged by authorities in your experience or to your knowledge?

muffler

Juantorena wrote: »

Thanks muffler.

I would presume a landlord would baulk at the idea of a planning application...

Would the above necessarily apply if for instance the current use was, say, office? And, in general terms, would what I'm (broadly, conscious I'm not giving too much away here) thinking about here be done ever/rarely and frowned upon/encouraged by authorities in your experience or to your knowledge?

Most commercial/office/retail change of uses are exempt from planning but not from building regs which incorporate the fire and disabled access etc. Before you can trade you will need a fire safety cert and a disability access cert

There's a handy little leaflet here for the business person.

One of the major problems facing people in setting up a business of some sort is obviously finance. The temptation is there to ignore various rules and regs to save some outlays. But once a competitor or a neighbour or in your case the guy downstairs doesnt like whats going on a report is made to the local council and thats when the fun and games start.

Maybe have a talk with a local technician to see what pitfalls there are.

Juantorena

muffler wrote: »

Most commercial/office/retail change of uses are exempt from planning but not from building regs which incorporate the fire and disabled access etc. Before you can trade you will need a fire safety cert and a disability access cert

There's a handy little leaflet here for the business person.

One of the major problems facing people in setting up a business of some sort is obviously finance. The temptation is there to ignore various rules and regs to save some outlays. But once a competitor or a neighbour or in your case the guy downstairs doesnt like whats going on a report is made to the local council and thats when the fun and games start.

Maybe have a talk with a local technician to see what pitfalls there are.

Super, thanks for the links and all.