Primary & Secondary School Properties

This conversion is possible but requires planning permission from the local authority who will assess the suitability of the building for a school.

Since September 2020, Use Class E covers offices (previously Class B1) and allows changes to other uses within Class E without planning permission. Schools, however, fall under Class F1 (Learning and non-residential institutions).

You’ll need to submit a planning application to the local authority to convert the building from Class E to Class F1. This application will assess factors like suitability of the building for educational purposes, traffic impact, noise and sound pollution and potential disruption to neighbours, amongst other factors.

The change from Use Class E to F1 for schools can be complex and requires specialist advice and support. While we don’t handle the process ourselves, we have many contacts we have worked with for many years, such as planning consultants and architects, who we can refer you to. Our extensive experience in this area means we can connect clients with reliable experts to manage the planning process effectively, to make the process far less daunting.

When renting a new commercial building, it is generally unlikely that furniture will be left behind and usable. Typically, commercial properties are leased as empty spaces, allowing tenants to customise the interior according to their specific needs. However, this can be property-specific, so it’s best to contact us to discuss your requirements and confirm whether a property includes any furniture and the condition of it, before finalising the rental agreement.

All commercial buildings in England and Wales (excluding listed buildings and certain others) must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. This requirement ensures that buildings are more environmentally friendly.

Many of our listed properties use energy-efficient building materials, though this is specific to each listing, however, they all have EPC ratings that comply with the latest regulations. It is looking likely the British Government requires most non-residential buildings to have an EPC rating of at least C by 2027 and B by 2030, contributing to the UK’s net-zero goals, though currently the legislation requires a grade E or better. Additionally, we advise our clients that their properties must adhere to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), ensuring they are both environmentally friendly and legally compliant. To ensure our properties meet these standards and are suitable for a school environment, please contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.

Whether specific planning permission is required to make a property more energy-friendly depends on the nature and extent of the changes. However, it’s essential to consider Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in this process. While EPCs primarily assess a building’s current energy efficiency, they also provide recommendations for improving energy performance. Implementing these recommendations often makes a property more energy efficient and sustainable.

Before undertaking any energy-efficient upgrades, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified energy assessor who can assess the property’s current energy performance, provide recommendations for improvements, and advise on any necessary permissions or regulations that may apply.