Straightforward support for change of use planning permission and HMO applications, helping you move your property project forward with clarity and confidence.
Expert advice from an experienced HMO planning architect
Planning drawings, application support, and feasibility guidance for change of use projects
Clear help with layouts, planning strategy, and the next stage of property development
Need Help With Change of Use or an HMO Planning Application?
Changing how a property is used can unlock new opportunities, but the planning side is often more complex than people expect.
Whether you are converting a property into an HMO, changing a building from one use class to another, or assessing the development potential of an existing site, questions around policy, layout, local restrictions, and approval routes can quickly become overwhelming.
At Architectural Vista Designs, we help clients navigate change of use projects with clear advice and practical support. We assess the property, explain the likely planning route, and prepare the drawings and application information needed to move forward with confidence.
What We Help You With
We provide practical support for property owners, landlords, and developers who need clear planning guidance and well-prepared applications. Our service can include:
Change of use planning permission advice and applications
HMO planning applications and layout design
Planning strategy for residential conversions and redevelopment projects
Existing and proposed drawings for change of use submissions
Feasibility advice on property conversion potential
Measured surveys and existing plans where needed
Building regulations drawings for the next stage of the project
Guidance on planning constraints, local policies, and likely next steps
Whether you are exploring an HMO conversion, a mixed-use property opportunity, or a wider change of use proposal, we can help shape a clear and workable route forward.
See What’s Possible With a Well-Planned Conversion
Change of use and HMO projects often involve balancing opportunity with policy, layout, and practical constraints. This section is ideal for before and after visuals, layout examples, or short case studies showing:
Challenge: The existing use, planning issue, or development objective
Approach: The layout, planning strategy, and design response developed
Outcome: A more viable, compliant, and valuable property use
Adding real examples here helps potential clients understand what is possible and builds confidence in the value of clear planning advice from the outset.
Why Choose Architectural Vista Designs
20+ Years of Expertise
Proven success delivering planning applications, residential design, and property conversion projects.
Planning Advice You Can Trust
Honest guidance on change of use planning permission, HMO applications, and realistic project potential.
We Handle the Entire Process
From early feasibility through to planning and building regulations, we manage the process for you.
Clear, Honest Advice
Straightforward guidance on constraints, likely approval routes, and practical next steps.
Local Knowledge That Matters
Extensive experience supporting clients across Leicestershire and Warwickshire.
800+ Projects Delivered
Trusted across a wide range of domestic and development-led property projects.
A Simple, Guided Process
We keep change of use and HMO projects moving with a clear, structured approach:
1. Free Initial Consultation
We discuss the property, your goals, and the most realistic planning route based on the type of project.
2. Survey & Assessment
Where needed, we record the existing property and assess layout, use class, and planning considerations.
3. Design & Planning Strategy
We prepare a suitable layout and application strategy to support the strongest possible submission.
4. Submission & Next Steps
We help move the project towards planning determination and prepare for the next technical stage where required.
What Clients Value Most
This section would work well as a testimonial slider focused on:
Clear advice on change of use and HMO planning viability
Confidence in the layout and application strategy
A smooth, well-managed process from feasibility to submission
Change of Use & HMO Planning FAQs
Change of use planning permission is required when a property is proposed to move from one planning use class to another and the change is not permitted automatically. Whether permission is needed depends on the current use, the proposed new use, and the specific planning rules affecting the site.
In some cases, yes. Whether planning permission is required to convert a house into an HMO depends on the size of the HMO, the existing use, and whether the local authority has introduced additional restrictions such as an Article 4 Direction. Early advice from an HMO planning architect can help clarify the position.
An HMO planning architect helps assess the feasibility of the proposal, prepare suitable layouts, advise on planning strategy, and produce the drawings and application information needed for submission. This can help make the process clearer and improve the quality of the overall proposal.
Yes. We can advise on change of use planning permission for a range of projects, including those involving conversion from commercial or mixed-use properties to residential uses. The exact route depends on the existing use, the site, and the local planning context.
Most HMO planning applications require existing and proposed drawings showing the layout, room arrangement, and overall use of the property. Additional supporting information may also be needed depending on the proposal and the local authority’s requirements.
Timescales vary depending on the type of project, the local authority, and whether further information is requested during the process. The overall programme usually includes feasibility, drawing preparation, submission, validation, and the council’s determination period.
An Article 4 Direction removes certain permitted development rights in a specific area, meaning planning permission may be needed where it might not otherwise have been required. This can be particularly relevant for some HMO projects, so it is important to check the local position early on.
Yes. Once planning has been secured, we can also help prepare the building regulations drawings needed for the next stage of the project, helping you move from planning approval towards construction in a more structured way.
What Clients Say
Google reviews from Architectural Vista Designs clients.
Mark was extremely friendly whilst being professional. On our initial call he told me that I could make the application myself, therefore he very much puts the client’s needs before profit. However, we chose to use him and are very glad we did. He was very responsive. The planning office requested that a second inspection be carried out (at a further cost) and Mark was able to get this cancelled. Definitely worth the reasonable price we paid for his excellent services.
Mark helped us from start to finish , he was only a phone call away if we needed advise and kept us up to date with the progress of our case every step of the way, would not hesitate to use him again should we need to.
Mark was a massive help throughout the process, he delt with every aspect swiftly along with giving us the peace of mind that everything was being done efficiently and correctly. I couldn’t fault him from start to finish and always kept us up to date with the process. Highly recommend!
Mark is Friendly and reliable and provided plans for a garage conversation and supported the planning permission and building regulations process for a reasonable price and was always happy to help and advise, would recommend to family and friends.
Mark helped us get planning consent for a change of use from offices to residential. He produced detailed plans, and all the necessary supporting documents, then managed what turned to be quite a complex process. It was great to have a real professional on our team.
Mark was extremely helpful with helping us design our garage conversion and his professional expertise was invaluable. He kept in contact throughout the process and gave us good sound advice. He is a pleasure to do business with and would use his services again if we ever need to . Mark was very pleasant and polite. We now look forward to his plans becoming a reality
Mark came out swiftly and assessed the planning proposal.Plans were drawn up and I was consulted before being submitted. Everything was handled professionally from start to finish. Mark is only a phone call away should you have any concerns. Highly recommended and Many Thanks.
Very professional pricing high quality detailed plans. Provided second to none advice and support with both structural engineers drawings and build over plans for Severn Trent. Recommended Quadrant building inspectors and supported the build to certificate of completion.
Mark offers a complete service for the process of design to planning approval and beyond. He is a decent bloke , a good competent designer and very practical. His rates are reasonable and his work to a high standard. He has completed a house design with all the approvals for us and we are pleased with the outcome. Use him he is good which is rare these days !! Good luck Mark
Mark has helped me secure two separate Planning Permissions, both achieved first-time without issues – a real pro at what’s required. He’s always on-hand to deal with the inevitable matters that can arise once the build gets underway, and has great contacts and resources to get tasks completed well. Altogether everything one needs in the building and development game. Thank you Mark at Architectural Vista Designs
A starting point for project-led content, using existing Architectural Vista Designs project examples until the final service-specific case studies are confirmed.
View this new build 4 bedroom family house project in Earl Shilton, with architectural design, planning support, landscaping and detailed design by Architectural Vistadesigns.
Explore this Browns Lane, Allesley project involving the design and planning approval of two new build dwellings in Coventry, including landscaping and detailed design.
Explore the Railway Inn, Sileby project involving public house conversion, new build dwellings, planning submission and landscaping for a constrained town centre site.
