Planning Permission – Change of Use

Most recording studios do not require a change of use, you could simply build a recording studio within your bedroom if you wanted. Generally building a recording studio within any property that is residential does not require a change of use or planning permission. Also building a recording studio within a commercial space that has permission for offices also should not require a change of use or specific planning permission.

In general, you can have a recording studio on your residential property if it’s for home use. You can build a studio in commercial properties if it has been registered for B1 use (office and studio use). However, if you plan on using your recording studio as a band rehearsal space you would need B2 (music rehearsal and recording studio). Most commercial properties at already B1, so if you need B2, you will need to apply for a change of use.

If you need to apply for a change of use, a standard sound survey of your property will not be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the change of use application. You will need to carry out a full noise impact survey. This is a lot more complicated to carry out.