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26.06.25

What You Need to Know About UK Permits Before Starting a Fit-Out

Author: Bisola Orimalade

Before any commercial fit-out begins, one question always comes up: what approvals or permits are required? The answer depends on the scope of your work, the type of building, and the location.

Whether you're a property developer, facilities manager, franchise operator, or healthcare provider, understanding your responsibilities before work starts helps avoid delays, fines, or costly redesigns.

Before any commercial fit-out begins, one question always comes up: what approvals or permits are required? The answer depends on the scope of your work, the type of building, and the location.

Whether you're a property developer, facilities manager, franchise operator, or healthcare provider, understanding your responsibilities before work starts helps avoid delays, fines, or costly redesigns.

What Is Fit-Out Work and When Does It Apply?

Fit-out refers to the process of preparing an interior space for occupation. This includes installing:

• Internal walls and partitions
• Ceilings and flooring
• Mechanical and electrical services
• Lighting, heating, and air conditioning
• Fixtures, fittings, and specialist finishes




There are different levels of fit-out:

• Shell and core - the base structure is complete, but the interior is left empty.
• Category A - basic finish with lighting and HVAC installed.
• Category B - fully finished with partitions, meeting rooms, IT infrastructure, and furniture.




Example: A company leasing a new office in a commercial tower would receive a Category A space and carry out a Category B fit-out before moving staff in.

The same applies to sectors like retail, hospitality, and healthcare — each with specific compliance needs around layout, access, and safety.




Do You Need Planning Permission for a Fit-Out?

In many cases, internal fit-out work does not require planning permission, especially when it doesn’t affect the building's external appearance or structure.

But there are exceptions. You may need permission if:

• You’re making changes to the building's exterior (e.g. new shop fronts, signage, or external plant equipment).
• The property is listed or within a conservation area.
• You are changing the use class of the building (e.g. converting retail to hospitality).

Always check with the local planning authority. Assumptions can cause delays later, especially if enforcement action is taken.

Retailers and hospitality brands should also confirm local zoning and licensing requirements when opening new sites.




Understanding Building Control and When It Applies

While planning permission focuses on the use and appearance of a building, building control approval deals with how work is carried out — ensuring safety, accessibility, and compliance with national standards.

You’ll need building control approval if your fit-out includes:

• Alterations to the layout (e.g. moving walls or doors)
• Structural changes
• New plumbing or electrical work
• Heating or ventilation systems
• Fire safety systems (e.g. alarms, sprinklers, or fire-rated partitions)

This applies even if the work is internal and planning permission isn’t required.




What About Permitted Development?

Some changes fall under permitted development rights, meaning they don’t require planning permission. But building control approval is still needed if the work affects health, safety, or accessibility standards.

Don’t assume that because planning isn’t needed, you can skip building control. They serve different purposes.

Not sure whether your fit-out needs building control approval? We help businesses assess compliance needs and prepare the right documentation before works begin.

Book a consultation

What’s Required for a Building Regulations Application?

If your fit-out requires building control approval, you can submit your application in two ways:

1. Full Plans Application

This is the most common route for commercial projects. You submit detailed drawings and specifications for review before work begins. It gives more certainty that your plans meet regulations.

2. Building Notice

This is faster but riskier. You don’t submit full plans in advance. This route is not available for all commercial works especially where structural changes are involved.

Your submission will need to include:

• Site and floor plans
• Construction details
• Fire safety strategy
• Access and facilities for disabled users
• Energy performance details
• Drainage and waste information

Either your contractor or project manager can help prepare the documents, but ultimate responsibility lies with the property owner or occupier.




The Construction Process of a Fit-Out: Step by Step

Here’s how a typical commercial fit-out project progresses from approvals to handover:

1. Site Assessment and Briefing

Define project scope, use requirements, and identify necessary permits.

2. Design and Planning

Engage architects and consultants to develop plans that meet business needs and legal obligations.

3. Planning and Building Control Checks

Determine whether you need planning permission and submit a building regulations application if required.

4. Pre-Construction Approvals

Wait for approval before beginning structural or services work. On-site inspections may be scheduled.

5. Construction Phase

Fit-out begins. Building control officers may visit during construction to verify compliance.

6. Final Inspections and Certification

On completion, you may be issued a Completion Certificate confirming the work meets regulations.

7. Handover and Occupation

Once certified, you can occupy and operate from the space.

Planning a fit-out across multiple sites? We work with franchise operators, developers, and property managers to deliver compliant and coordinated build programmes across the UK.

Talk to us today

Final Checks Before You Begin Work

To avoid surprises during your fit-out project, ask these questions:

• Does my scope include external changes or signage?
• Am I making structural or layout changes?
• Do I need approval for plumbing, electrics, or fire systems?
• Is the building listed or in a conservation area?
• Have I submitted plans to building control?
• Have I arranged for inspections and certification?

Working with experienced consultants can help speed this up, especially when coordinating across landlords, contractors, and local authorities.




Interested in Working Together?

Queensbury Construction Group delivers commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects across the UK. We work with clients in office, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and industrial sectors to design, manage, and deliver spaces that meet both operational and regulatory requirements.

From structural works and MEP installations to interior finishes and specialist joinery, we provide a complete service with clear project coordination and practical outcomes.

If you're planning a fit-out or refurbishment, we're ready to help. Book a consultation today and let’s get your project moving.

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