Class A - New dwellinghouses on detached blocks of flats

Class A – Unlocking New Residential Opportunities with Upward Extensions

Class A of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), introduced in August 2020, offers an exciting opportunity to add up to two additional storeys to purpose-built, detached blocks of flats.

This airspace development option is an efficient way to increase housing supply without extending a building’s footprint—ideal for urban environments.

What is Class A Permitted Development?

Class A enables the upward extension of detached blocks of flats for residential purposes, provided certain criteria are met:

  • Eligible Buildings: The block must be purpose-built and detached, constructed between 1st July 1948 and 5th March 2018. Conversions created under other GPDO classes, such as Class M, N, O, P, PA, or Q, are not eligible unless full planning permission was obtained, and the conversion completed by 5th March 2018.

  • Additional Storeys: Only two storeys can be added, and the final height (excluding plant and machinery) must not exceed 30 metres.

  • Use Class Restriction: New units must remain as C3 residential flats, not HMOs. Converting them to HMOs would require a separate planning application.

When is Class A Not Applicable?

Class A development cannot be undertaken in the following scenarios:

  • Prohibited Locations: Article 2(3) land (e.g., conservation areas), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), listed buildings, safety hazard areas, military explosives zones, or within 3 km of an aerodrome.

  • Building Requirements: The building must be at least three storeys tall, detached, and the proposed development must not extend beyond the existing curtilage.

Our team can help identify if your site qualifies for Class A development and explore alternative solutions if it doesn’t.

Class A Prior Approval Considerations

Developers must seek prior approval from the local authority, which involves assessing:

  1. Transport & Highways Impact: Any changes to local traffic or access.

  2. Flood Risks: A flood risk assessment may be required for buildings in certain zones.

  3. Natural Light: Adequate natural light must be provided in all habitable rooms.

  4. Neighbouring Amenity: Addressing potential overlooking, privacy issues, and loss of light for surrounding properties.

  5. External Appearance: Ensuring the new design complements the existing structure and surrounding area.

Additional Requirements: Authorities may also review air traffic impacts, contamination risks, and the effect on protected views (e.g., protected vistas in London).

The Class A Prior Approval Process: What You Need to Know

To get started, you’ll need to submit a comprehensive prior approval application that includes:

  • A detailed written description of the proposed works.

  • Scaled floor plans showing the current layout and proposed changes.

  • A list of all current addresses within the block of flats.

  • Supporting reports, such as flood risk assessments and construction management plans.

Timelines: Local authorities aim to decide within 8 weeks (56 days). If no decision is made within this timeframe, permission is deemed granted.

Our Recent Planning Successes

Contact Our Planners about Your Class A Project

We can offer expert guidance to navigate the complexities of Class A GPDO regulations. Here’s how we can help:

  • Feasibility Studies: We assess whether your project is eligible and viable under Class A.

  • Tailored Prior Approval Applications: Our team ensures your prior approval application is detailed, compliant, and supported by all necessary documentation.

Contact us today to discuss your Class A project and how we can help turn your airspace

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Class ZA – Demolition of buildings & construction of new flats or a house