Prior Approvals

Paul Butler Associates have excellent knowledge of permitted development rights and the prior approval process which allows certain buildings to be converted to residential use without the requirement for full planning permission. Where applicable the prior approval process has many benefits for applicants including increased certainty, shorter timescales and reduced costs. Paul Butler Associates advise on all stages of the prior approval process including initial feasibility advice; the preparation and coordination of applications; negotiating with local planning authorities where required; and, progressing the discharge of conditions. Some recent examples of prior approval applications we have secured approval for include:

Carrwood House, Stockport

Change of use of a vacant three storey office building to provide 22 apartments. A separate planning application was also progressed to provide additional shared amenity space and undertake external improvements to the building.

121 Princess Street, Manchester City Centre

Change of use of a former warehouse building last used as offices to provide 126 apartments.

Sailsbury House, Manchester City Centre

Change of use of a vacant and rundown office building to provide 98 apartments. A planning application was also progressed to reclad and improve the external appearance of the building.

Hollywood, Salford

Change of use of vacant office building to provide 30 apartments.

Brookland House, Salford

Change of use of vacant office building to provide 25 apartments.

Westpoint, Trafford

Change of use of office building to provide 308 apartments. A planning application was also progressed to convert parts of the building not in office use to provide a further 9 apartments.