# Can Class E commercial property be converted to residential use?

Canonical source: https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/class-e-to-residential/

Some Class E buildings in England can change to Class C3 homes under the Class MA permitted development right, subject to its restrictions and prior approval.

## The detail.

The right is not automatic. Eligibility, existing planning conditions, local restrictions and the prior approval requirements must be checked for the particular building. Other routes may need a planning application.

This guidance applies to England. The lawful use, conditions, any proposed works and the facts of the operation should be checked for each property.

## What to check.

-   Ask a planning adviser to check the current Class MA requirements, any Article 4 direction and the property’s planning history.
-   Check separately whether building works, listed building consent or building regulations approval are needed.

A planning adviser or the local planning authority can advise on the specific property and proposal.

## Sources.

-   [Planning Portal: use classes in England](https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/change-of-use/use-classes/)
-   [GOV.UK: when is permission required?](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/when-is-permission-required)
-   [Planning Portal: prior approval](https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/prior-approval/)
-   [Class MA in the permitted development order](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/schedule/2/part/3)

Sources reviewed 6 November 2026. General information, not a planning opinion.

## Related questions.

-   [What is Class E planning use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/class-e/)
-   [What is Class C3 planning use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/class-c3/)
-   [What is prior approval for a change of use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/prior-approval/)
-   [When is planning permission needed for a change of use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/change-of-use/)

[See all planning use class guides](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/)

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