Do I need planning permission for a co-working space in London?

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Do I need planning permission for a co-working space in London?

I am launching a co-working space in a property that I am soon to own in South London. Does anyone know if I need specific planning permission for this (it is based in a live/work property). Do I just need a B1 (office usage)? I will be renting desk space on a monthly basis to other entrepreneurs. How to approach the authorities in a way that doesn't cost the earth and take forever? Any info would be much appreciated. Thank you. Also any other pearls of wisdom on setting up co-working spaces would be welcomed. I am hoping to create a great space and community for like-minded ambitious startups. :-)

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Dan Jacobs Serial entrepreneur, mentor, advisor, interim CTO

You don't need anything other than a B1 + the right rental agreements in place. You can have a building where one floor is residential and one floor is office space, that's perfectly normal usage.

With regards to setting up co-working spaces, there are loads of them now. So you should consider what makes you different.

I have plenty of experience working in London co-working spaces so can give good advice about what works and what doesn't if you'd like to arrange a call.

Answered 9 years ago