Office to Residential Permitted Development: Class MA Explained
Converting an office to flats uses Class MA since 2021. Learn the Prior Approval process, Article 4 Direction exclusions, and how it replaced Class O.

Practical guidance on Permitted Development and householder projects in England — what the rules allow, what they limit, and what it means for your drawings.
Start with the PD guideOur detailed guidance pages, organised by the kind of project you are planning.
Permitted Development rulesThe limits that apply to each type of householder project.View articles
ExtensionsSingle storey rear, side and two storey rear extensions.View articles
Lofts and roofsLoft conversions, dormers and roof alterations.View articles
Garden buildingsOutbuildings, garden rooms and garages.View articles
Around the housePorches, conservatories, windows and doors.View articles
Boundaries and outsideFences, walls, gates, patios and driveways.View articles From our Permitted Development and planning article library.
Converting an office to flats uses Class MA since 2021. Learn the Prior Approval process, Article 4 Direction exclusions, and how it replaced Class O.
Class MA permits commercial buildings to convert to residential with Prior Approval. Learn how Class MA works, what buildings qualify, and where Article 4 Directions apply.
Changing agricultural land to residential or commercial use requires planning permission. Class Q and Class R apply to buildings not open land. Full guide.
Farm shops, holiday lets, glamping and events almost always need planning permission. Class R permits some commercial conversions. Learn what applies to your project.
Agricultural Prior Approval is needed for large farm buildings (Part 6) and change of use conversions (Class Q, Class R). 28-day determination period for buildings.
Equestrian use is not agriculture so Part 6 PD rights don’t apply. Most stables, menages and arenas need planning permission. Learn what’s permitted.
PERMITTED HOMEOWNER GUIDES
Our illustrated, practical guides help you understand the rules, explore design options and budget with confidence — before you commit to building work.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
View guide
Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Maximize your property’s footprint with precision and ease. Permitted provides complete design for Permitted Development Rights. Our packages are designed around the Permitted Development limits, so many projects can proceed without a full planning application.
PERMITTED is operated by Yorkshire Property Design Services Limited, registered in England and Wales under company number 12698267.
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