Can I Change My Empty House To A Shop?

[lulu_bucket]

Change Empty House To Shop?

Own house with a buy to let mortgage which needs to be paid back July 2017.
Empty presently. Don't want to rent out again.
Thinking of outlet for fishing, shooting, country dog stuff.
How could/would this work...change of use/taxes /insurance etc. any help, advice really welcome ...who do we see Solicitor etc thanks

[Broseph]

Will you be living in the house at the same time or elsewhere?

[hc4361]

You need to speak to your local council about applying for 'change of use'.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/changeofuse/

[lulu_bucket]

No we would continue to live in current house just up road but COULD have someone live there IF it made a huge difference etc but would want to use at least one or two bedrooms for storage

[hc4361]

Phone your council for an initial chat. Hopefully, they'll be as good as my council and prove very helpful.

[The Builder]

A preliminary talk with the planning dept. would be the first step, but a few things to consider as well.................

Running a small business from home is generally allowed, but this would need a planning application. It's what they call a "material change of use". The "class of use" would change from domestic to business.

Check that your mortgage doesn't exclude business use.

Check up on fire regulations. Shops have Joe Public roaming around inside them. That can throw up different fire precautions.

Ask the planners if your area can contain business use. It may be designated as residential only.

Alterations to include a shop front can be costly.

Business rates and insurance will likely be very much higher.