I want to convert my home into a shop or office. Do I need permission?
No. The regulations do not define this particular change of use as ‘material’. However, if your proposed project involves work which will affect the structure of the building, the means of escape and other fire precautions, or affect access and facilities for disabled people, the regulations will regard your work as a ‘material alteration'(and therefore ‘Building Work’) which must then comply with the regulations. You should also check with the local Fire Authority, usually the County Council, to see what ‘on-going’ fire precautions legislation (such as the Fire Precautions Act and/or the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations) will apply when the building is in use.