Change of Use (Change of User)
Planning support for an application to change the authorised use of land or premises.
01 · Understand the application
A change of use application concerns a proposal to move a property from its existing authorised use to a different use. For example, an owner may want to introduce a use that is different from the one reflected in the available planning permissions. The right starting point is to establish the current planning position and describe the proposal clearly.
We review the site context, available permissions and intended activity, then prepare the planning assessment and application material agreed for the instruction. Access, neighbouring uses, infrastructure and other relevant constraints inform the planning case. Change of User is retained as a familiar Kenyan term alongside Change of Use. The responsible authority determines the application and any conditions.
02 · Is this the right service?
Your proposed main use differs from the property's known authorised use.
You need to establish the planning implications of a proposed use before detailed design or a transaction.
An authority has requested a planning application or further information about a proposed change.
03 · What you receive
- A planning assessment setting out the existing information, proposed use, material site considerations and outstanding enquiries.
- The application forms, planning report and supporting planning material expressly included in the agreed instruction.
- A submission and response record, with authority comments, client dependencies and follow-up actions made visible.
04 · How we support the application
- Review the site and existing permissions
- Prepare the planning case and supporting material
- Coordinate the application and responses
05 · Prepare your brief
- Site location and ownership or authority documents
- Current use and known permissions
- Description of the proposed use
06 · Scope and professional responsibilities
The scope covers the stated planning application. Related design, survey, legal and environmental services are commissioned separately where required. Decisions and conditions remain with the competent authorities.
For technical teams
Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019; Physical and Land Use Planning (General Development Permission and Control) Regulations, 2021. Confirm the applicable county process for each site.
Points to agree in the technical brief
- Establish the existing authorised use from available planning records, together with the proposal, site boundary and relevant tenure information.
- Agree the planning report, drawings and supporting inputs included in our instruction, and identify work requiring other professionals.
- Allocate responsibility for authority enquiries, any required notices, application charges and responses to requests for additional information.
07 · Common questions
How is change of use different from extension of use?
The proposal may replace an existing use or extend it. We review what is currently authorised and what is proposed before confirming the appropriate application route.
Does approval for a new use cover building design?
Related building, environmental, survey or other permissions have distinct requirements. The scope identifies the professional inputs and further applications relevant to the project.
How long will it take and what will it cost?
The proposal sets a programme for our work after reviewing the site, documents and required inputs. Authority review periods and charges are identified separately; approval and decision dates are not guaranteed.
Make the next step clear
Share the location, your intended outcome and the information already available. Discuss your project →