Change of use class, planning permission, any experience?

[zebra]

DH's employer (Internet marketing company) may want to move to a new town -- I really don't want them to move! They want to buy rather than rent their offices. I am resolved to look for new premises locally, but I may end up finding something that doesn't have quite the right use permissions... so would involve trying to apply for change of use (from retail or other non-residential to offices). Can anyone offer advice, experience? Is this tricky? Too impossible? How should we go about looking for small-medium size office space locally? TIA.

Search on the internet for commercial estate agents in that area to register your details, they will have what's available in that area to either buy or let/lease. I would also ask them for advice on change of use where applicable. When you shortlist some properties, if the change of use is needed, I would then contact the local council to see if it would be possible before proceeding any further. You could also look at the local council's website which should give you details about change of use procedures HTH

I think the boss of the company has been going thru estate agents for years trying to find a commercial property he could buy, with little luck... thing is, we only just moved to this town (bought a house) partly so that DH wouldn't have to commute, his boss is giving DH a kind of 1st refusal on moving the company because he values DH, I wondered if I could do anything to help make sure the company stays local.

Zebra

I think you need to go and talk to your local planning authority (Council) about the criteria they would take into account if you submitted a planning application. For example, if you find premises on their best shopping street, they are unlikely to look favourably on your change of use, but ought to be able to direct you to those parts of the town centre where a mix of uses (like retail and office) are allowed/encouraged.

Similarly, the Council ought to be able to direct you to Industrial Estates where your use is acceptable in principle (ie planning permission ought to be granted for your use)

Might be helpful to write down before hand relevant points about the business - size of premises required (floorspace and/or relate to size of a shop in town - so you can both picture size you're talking about) number of employees, whether there are visitors (public or business) and how many typically.
There are a few circumstances where change of use might not be required. Nearly all uses are grouped into classes and for example, a light industrial unit could also be used as an office IF there are generally no visiting members of the public. Agree about commercial estate agents as good source. Ask the Council if they have an economic development department who can help you with premises search too.
Good luck