Determining whether planning approval is required

In the first instance, landowners, developers or agents should raise an enquiry with planningandregenerationenquiries@birmingham.gov.uk.

1. If sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate that the proposed occupancy of a property will be for a single household of no more than six people (informed by the criteria above) then a dwelling falling within C3(a) use class can be converted to C3(b) or C3(c) use class as permitted development and won’t require a planning application.
2. If the evidence provided is insufficient to demonstrate that the property will be occupied by a single household of no more than six people, or if no evidence is provided, then the city council will consider the proposed use to be Sui Generis and a change of use planning application will be required for the property to be converted from an existing C3(a) dwelling.

Larger properties that accommodate 7 or more people are always considered to be a Sui Generis use and will always require a planning application if they are to be created from the conversion of a C3(a) dwelling.

As with all types of development, the city council will investigate the conversion of properties which have taken place without planning approval and when a planning application would have been required. Report any such cases to planning.breaches@birmingham.gov.uk.