The conversion of commercial premises to residential use previously had a maximum limit of 1500sqm and also required the premises to have been vacant for a period of at least 90 days before approval could be given.
This has now changed with the Government announcing that these two requirements are being scrapped. Accordingly for any application after 5 March 2024 there will be no limit to the floorspace which can be converted and there is no requirement for the building to have been vacant for three months.
This will almost certainly improve opportunity for buildings which were previously partly converted and will allow the remainder to similarly be converted from office to residential use.
You should be aware that the restrictions to such work in conservation areas, to listed buildings, properties within the Norfolk Broads etc are still in place.
If you would like to explore the planning opportunities of your site or buildings then we would be pleased to hear from you.