Changing a shop to a cafe

If you already have a shop then chances are you're in the right commercial area for changing it to a cafe. Planning permission is however still required for this type of development.

Permission for extractor flues is required if you're intending to cook on the premises along with a licence to have tables and chairs on a highway i.e. the footway or verge that's publicly maintained. To obtain a licence for this, you'll need to speak to the highway authority so that they can assess factors including pedestrian movement, sight lines for drivers and general road safety. If you need to advertise differently and change the shop's signage, this is likely to require express advertisement consent from your local planning team.

Although permission is not required when you start the works, bear in mind that if permission does not get granted, you'll have to undo the work you've done to return the building back to its original state all at your own cost.

In addition, make sure that you talk to your landlord or the landowner about your plans as their consent may be required.


Source: planningportal.gov.uk

The information contained within this article is strictly for guidance only. Rated People recommends that you always check current sources of information in case regulations have changed. Rated People cannot accept any liability for miscommunication of the law in the case of a change in regulation or any action done to a property based on the information held in this article. Rated People © 2011.