Retail Planning Applications

Advertising Consent

This type of planning application deals with new retail shop signage or changes to existing shop signage irrespective whether the signage is to be illuminated (back lit lighting, trough lighting and swan neck lighting) or non–illuminated. Planning applications would also include shop window graphics, projecting box signage, blinds, awnings and pavement signs – all require local authority planning permission prior to installation.

Change of Use

All retail premises in Scotland and Wales are defined by their planning class, otherwise known as "use". For example retail stores were classified as A1 and are now Class E whereas fast food takeaways were classified as A5 use and are now classified as Sui Generis use. Sometimes a business may wish to change its style of trading for a variety of reasons which could also require a change of use. It is therefore important that the business consults with an appropriate planning consultant before committing themselves to potentially significant cost implications to try to reduce the risk of an unsuccessful change of use planning application. There are many considerations to be researched prior to an application and each planning application is judged on its merits and checked to see it complies with the regularly updated local authority planning guidance also sometimes called a local plan or core strategy.

Variation to Existing Planning Consent

When a planning application is made, specific planning conditions are sometimes applied by the local authority with or without the agreement of the applicant. It may be that the planning conditions are viewed at the time of the planning application by the applicant as workable but subsequently it transpires they are not or it could be that another business acquires the retail premises and the imposed conditions are not suitable at all. In such cases as with planning use, it is always recommended that planning variation guidance is sought from a planning consultant as to the chances of removing or amending the planning conditions in question before significant financial commitment is made. Examples of restrictive planning conditions could be a limit on trading hours or days, what and/or where you can or cannot sell particular products/services, or perhaps the use or indeed non-use of specific pieces of plant and machinery e.g. external security shutters etc.

Full Planning Permission

Full planning permission is required when a new development is required for the retail business e.g. an extension from the original footprint of the premises, a complete knock-down and re-build, a brand new shop front, install plant and machinery e.g. compressors or ducting, fit an external security shutter.