May "MA" be the way...?
... for the creation of new dwellings from your commercial premises

In an effort to further bolster housing supply and give new life to neglected buildings and brownfield sites across the country, the government rolled out "Class MA" Permitted Development rights as part of its strategic initiative within the Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Rights framework.

This relatively new and largely untapped 'right' is a great opportunity for land / property owners and developers to transform commercial, business, and service premises into new homes, sidestepping the conventional planning permission route...

This is an interesting option for securing permission to change the use of existing structures to residential units and [theoretically} streamlining the development process in a variety of urban and rural settings.

As with most UK planning and permitted development opportunities, a Class MA proposal is not without its potential challenges.  A 'prior approval' application, complete with supporting evidence, must be prepared and presented to the Local Planning Authority for their 'prior - approval' before work can start;

The procedure addresses considerations such as transport and highways impact, contamination and flood risks, alongside the proposed design and external appearance of the new dwellings that are to be created.  In some circumstances fire assessments and natural light studies will also be required before the permitted right is 'approved' and work can begin... 

At first glance, Class MA is simple and likely to be useful to develop redundant property (or perhaps some sites that are still "in use") - however there are, as ever, various restrictive criteria and conditions that need to be carefully considered and addressed - injecting a dose of complexity and challenge into any proposal.

The planners also retain some latitude to scrutinise design - maintaining a degree of control over the application of these useful rights.  None the less, at Bondstones, we are used to this - and have a solution to this hurdle (which has has proven successful in circumventing bias and unreasonable scrutiny from planners across the country).

Despite the potential hurdles, Class MA opens up some remarkable opportunities for poorly performing rural / commercial sites, offering a streamlined option that might otherwise involve a complex and investment heavy planning application.

The government has expressed intentions to continue refining Class MA rights (amongst others), aiming to further stimulate housing supply and economic productivity. While the exact nature of these refinements remains under wraps (at the time of writing), it's evident that Class MA conversions can offer a significant opportunity to land owners across England and beyond.

At Bondstones, our expertise lies in navigating the complexities of replacement dwellings, 'change of use', and intricate planning scenarios.  With our comprehensive architectural and planning services, we're perfectly equipped to guide you through the nuances of Class MA (and other permitted development rights), ensuring your project not only meets standards but also realises it's full potential.

Get in touch with us to explore how Class MA, among other development pathways, can be used to transform your property vision into reality...

Class MA in Summary

NB Changes are afoot!  Please contact us to assess your building against current and planned MA requirements!

In summary - after march 2024;

• The building must have been 'in use' within [use class] Class E for atleast 2 years prior to proposed change to dwellings
• the site (or its curtilage) must not be:
  • in or part of a SSSI
  • a Listed Building
  • a Scheduled Monument
  • in or part of a Safety Hazard Area
  • part of (or in) a military explosives storage area
• in an area protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act (section 41(3) - i.e.:
  • The Broads
  • a National Park
  • World Heritage Site
• be situated in a relevant Article 4 designation (where PD rights are removed)
• be affected by an agricultural tenancy (or failure to obtain written agreement between landlord and tenant)
• Other restrictions may also apply...

Alternatives to Class MA?

You may find that you are in a position where Class MA cannot be used directly (as with other permitted development rights, a large number of possible obstructions exist).

However - all is not lost!  Class MA rights and the generally positive effects of government policy on improving sustainable economic development means that a wide variety of options currently exist for building conversions and changes of use.  

Bondstones specialise in 'change of use' and complex [rural] planning matters.  This may include involvement in activities such as:

• Conversions & New Build
• Farm diversification (changing use to serve other more beneficial purposes)
• Agricultural Dwellings & Houses for 'Essential Workers'
• Environmental Improvement / Mitigation
• New Agricultural & Rural Industrial buildings
• 'Temporary use' applications
• Agricultural & Rural Business support
• Equestrian, Sporting and Leisure Projects
• Provision of ancillary accommodation for family or staff

We also advise on resolving unlawful development, planning enforcement and a wide variety of contentious matters.  

Most importantly - We love a challenge!

CAVEAT:
The information on this page is generalised and liable to change at short notice - the statute requires careful assessment against site specific circumstances - do not rely on this page as 'advice'. 

Contact us today to seek confirmation that "MA" is a realistic option for your project...

​Get in touch today

Bondstones' specialist planning team are more than happy to take your call and provide impartial advice on any pressing or up-coming matters.  Alternatively please contact us and we will get in touch with you at a convenient time.

Call the planning team today:
01823 210 610