Office to Resi with Uppers

Q: I’m going to see a property this morning, looks like a good office to resi as it stands. Can I go up another floor?

A: The property in question is three storey’s in height and is flanked by 2 storey buildings. It is also one of the tallest buildings in the area with nothing else in the road exceeding 3 storey’s in height. On the face of it I would not be proposing an additional storey to this building. Furthermore I would take a look at the authorised use as, whilst you are claiming an office use, the occupiers appear to be solicitors who fall into a grey area within the Use Classes Order occupying either E Financial or Professional Service if they encourage people to visit them or E Office if no or very little visitation is required.