Commercial Property - We understand that the process can involve substantial legal liabilities and it is important to get the best advice possible to benefit your business.
Commercial Property
Specialist commercial property solicitors handling the sale, purchase and management of offices, warehouses, retail units and investment properties, offering expert legal advice across London and England and Wales.
What is Commercial Property?
Commercial property law covers the sale, purchase, leasing and management of property used for business purposes. This includes a wide range of premises such as offices, warehouses, industrial units, retail spaces, mixed‑use buildings and investment portfolios.
At Robinson Ravani & Co Solicitors, we act for clients across all sectors and handle every type of commercial property transaction. Whether you are buying or selling for business use or investment purposes, our specialist solicitors provide clear, strategic advice tailored to your commercial objectives.
We also advise on related areas such as Mergers and Acquisitions, asset management, and the legal considerations involved in acquiring or disposing of commercial assets.
Do I need planning permission for change of use?
Expert planning law solicitors advising on change of use, planning permission requirements, use classes, material changes and commercial property compliance across London and England and Wales.
Understanding planning permission for change of use
When negotiating a lease or purchasing a commercial property, it is essential to determine whether planning permission for change of use is required. Planning rules can be complex and are updated regularly, so obtaining accurate legal advice early is crucial.
Our team can assess your proposed use, advise on whether permission is needed, and, where required, manage the planning application process on your behalf.
When planning permission is not required
Planning permission is not required when both the current and proposed uses fall within the same use class.
For example, converting a coffee shop to a restaurant typically remains within the same class and therefore does not require a formal change of use application.
You can explore more about this through Use Classes.
When planning permission is required
You will need planning permission if you intend to change from one use class to another, unless a specific permitted development right applies. Failing to obtain the correct permissions can result in:
Substantial fines
Enforcement action
Business disruption
Restrictions on future operations
A material change of use is legally considered a form of development, meaning planning permission is required unless an exemption applies. Learn more about Material Change of Use.
How we can help
When you instruct Robinson Ravani & Co Solicitors, you benefit from a dedicated commercial property specialist who will guide you through the entire conveyancing process. We ensure:
You receive clear, timely updates at every milestone
Your legal and commercial interests are fully protected
All documentation, searches and due diligence are handled efficiently
You receive cost‑effective, high‑quality legal support without compromise
Our approach is built on forming strong, long‑term partnerships with our clients. We take the time to understand your business, your goals and the commercial realities you face, ensuring our advice is aligned with your needs.
Our experienced Commercial Property solicitors can:
Review your current and proposed use
Advise whether planning permission is required
Identify any permitted development rights
Prepare and submit planning applications
Liaise with local authorities on your behalf
Ensure full compliance with planning regulations
We provide clear, practical advice to protect your investment and keep your business operating smoothly.
Commercial Categories
Clear guidance on UK commercial property Use Classes, including Class E, B2, B8, C1, F1, F2 and Sui Generis, helping investors, landlords and tenants understand planning rules and change‑of‑use requirements.
Understanding commercial property categories
It can be challenging to determine where to invest and which commercial property category your premises fall under. At Robinson Ravani & Co Solicitors, we simplify the Use Classes system so you can make informed decisions about purchasing, leasing or developing commercial property.
Commercial property in England is regulated by the UK Use Class system, which defines the activities a building can legally accommodate. The most significant category for modern commercial premises is Class E, introduced in 2020, which consolidated many former retail, office and service uses into one flexible class.
Main Commercial use Classes (England – Post‑2020)
1. Class E – Commercial, Business & Service
Class E covers most everyday commercial uses, including:
Shops and retail
Offices
Restaurants and cafés (non‑takeaway)
Gyms and fitness centres
Medical and health services (GPs, dentists, clinics)
Nurseries and day centres
Light industrial (E(g))
Why it matters:
You can usually switch between these uses without planning permission, making Class E highly flexible for investors and business owners.
2. Class B2 – General Industrial
Covers industrial processes and manufacturing not suitable for Class E(g).
Typically located in industrial estates due to noise, emissions or operational impact.
3. Class B8 – Storage & Distribution
Includes:
Warehouses
Logistics hubs
Distribution centres
Demand for B8 property has grown significantly due to the rise of e‑commerce and online retail.
4. Class C1 – Hotels
Covers:
Hotels
Guest houses
Boarding houses
No personal care services are provided under this class.
5. Class F1 – Learning & Non‑Residential Institutions
Includes:
Schools
Museums
Libraries
Art galleries
Places of worship
These uses are community‑focused and subject to stricter planning controls.
6. Class F2 – Local Community Uses
Covers:
Community halls
Swimming pools
Outdoor sports facilities
Small local shops serving isolated communities
Designed to protect essential community services.
7. Sui Generis – Unique Uses
“Sui Generis” applies to uses that do not fall within any standard class, such as:
Pubs and bars
Nightclubs
Theatres
Cinemas
Hot food takeaways
Important:
Changes to or from Sui Generis almost always require planning permission, due to the unique nature of these uses.
Why choose us?
Specialist commercial property solicitors with extensive experience in acquisitions, disposals, planning, development and real estate transactions, offering strategic advice, transparent communication and cost‑effective solutions across London, Chadwell Heath, Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham.
Why Clients Choose Us
Specialist commercial property solicitors with extensive experience
A dedicated team committed to delivering smooth, efficient transactions
Transparent communication and direct access to your solicitor
A focus on building trusted, long‑term client relationships
High‑quality, cost‑effective service without compromise
We are committed to ensuring your commercial property transaction progresses seamlessly, with expert guidance available whenever you need it.
Decades of Expertise in Commercial Real Estate
With a team of specialists boasting decades of combined experience, we are equipped to assist with a wide range of real estate matters, including:
Property acquisitions
Planning and development
Construction matters
Property disposals
Commercial property transactions are often fast‑paced and high‑value. Our solicitors provide pragmatic legal and strategic advice to help you secure the right deal, at the right price, with no unexpected complications.
Our diverse client base includes developers, entrepreneurs, high‑net‑worth individuals, landlords and tenants. We adopt a proactive, innovative approach to deliver an efficient and professional service tailored to your commercial objectives.
Local Knowledge, National Expertise
We are proud to support both the local and wider community with an approachable, client‑focused service. Our diverse team has extensive knowledge of the London, Essex and East London markets, giving you a competitive advantage when navigating regional challenges and opportunities.
Bespoke Advice for Every Transaction
No two transactions are the same. We provide bespoke, commercially focused advice tailored to your specific concerns, regardless of complexity. Where required, we collaborate closely with our litigation and corporate departments to offer a complete, integrated services, removing the need to search for multiple specialists.
Robinson Ravani & Co’s overarching aim is to deliver a comprehensive, seamless service, free from legal jargon, hidden costs or unnecessary delays.
Speak to Our Commercial Property Solicitors
For confidential advice, please contact our solicitors in Chadwell Heath, Romford, the London Borough of Redbridge, and Barking & Dagenham on 0208 548 9402 or email admin@robinsonravani.com.
Contact Us
Whether you have questions or wish to instruct a solicitor, you can speak in confidence to a member of our legal team for clear, professional and trusted advice.
Please get in touch so we can understand your needs, assess your situation and determine the most effective way to approach your legal matter with clarity and care.
You can request a call back at any time, and one of our experienced solicitors will contact you directly to provide the guidance and support you require.
0208 548 9402
Lines Open, Mon – Fri 9.30am to 5.30pm
Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes.
Commercial Property Services
Section 24: The Tenant Tax
Bridging Finance Law
Commercial Lease Extensions
Planning and the Law
Assignment of a Lease
Landlord and Tenant Law
Commercial Mortgages for Re-Financing
Commercial Sales and Purchases
Granting of Leases
Landlord and Tenant Work
Licenses To Assign
Licences to Underlet
Licences for Alteration
Services We Provide
Leave Us a Message.
Whether you have any questions or would like to instruct a solicitor, please feel free to speak to us in confidence. This will allow us to understand what you need and work out the best way to approach your situation.
You can contact us via telephone and can also request a call back by filling in the form.
Alternatively, feel free to explore our website further.
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What Our Clients Say
“ We recently used Robinson Ravani and Co. Solicitors for the conveyancing of our property. We are very happy in particular with the high quality of service provided by Mr. Gurdip Gill and his colleague Ms Manali Patel. They have a methodical, highly professional and structured approach to the work and have excellent and friendly communication skills. They kept us well informed of the sales process throughout and completed the work efficiently. It was a smooth process from start to finish and we are pleased with the outcome. Their personal touch and endearing approach inspire confidence. We would be more than happy to recommend their legal services to anyone. ”
— D Banarjee
