Many small businesses are started by people working in their homes - and this does not always require planning permission. Permission is not required, for example, if you are going to change a bedroom into a small office.
If the business involves the following:
- More people visiting the property during the day/evening than would normally be the case for residential use;
- Uses that require employees to be present at the dwelling;
- Uses that require business vehicles to be kept at the site;
- Deliveries taking place that are more frequent and involve larger quantities of goods than is usual for a household;
- The use of a large part of your home for business activities, such as offices, storage, and other commercial purposes (including the use of sheds and garages);
- Activities that are noisier than domestic use or produce fumes that would not be expected from residential properties;
Then planning permission is likely to be required.
If you are considering working from home you are strongly advised to contact the Planning Advisor on (01453) 754442 to get further advice before embarking on your enterprise.
Any queries for the planning department can also be addressed in writing or emailed to planning@stroud.gov.uk.
We would also recommend that you view the guide for business, which has been produced by The Department for Communities and Local Government. It offers good advice around the planning system for businesses in England.
To make an application, please view our Planning pages for further information and assistance.
