Earlier this year the Government revised its development rights guidelines and the new, flexible Change of Use guidelines could benefit you if you are looking for a shop for your business. Buildings with A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, D1 and D2 uses are now permitted to change use for a single period of up two years to A1, A2, A3 and B1 uses.
This added flexibility seems like great news for small businesses since it allows them to move into a new property much faster as there’s no lengthy planning application process to battle through first. Your new landlord / current property owner will not need to wait for you to obtain planning permission and will be less tempted to speak with other prospective tenants / buyers. Obtaining permission for Change of Use is one of the biggest causes of delays for small businesses (second only to slow solicitors!) and in some cases can lead to a landlord deciding not to consider you as a potential tenant.