High street shops, market town retail and out-of-town premises across the county
Leonard James Commercial handles retail units to rent and for sale throughout Norfolk — from individual high street shops in market towns to substantial roadside and out-of-town retail. Our portfolio spans Norwich city centre, the historic centres of Attleborough, Wymondham, Diss, Watton, Dereham and Hingham, plus modern retail parks and roadside locations along the major Norfolk A-roads.
• High street shop units (Class E, formerly A1 / A2). • Café, restaurant and takeaway premises (Class E and Sui Generis). • Hairdressing and beauty salons. • Convenience and forecourt retail. • Out-of-town retail park units. • Roadside premises with parking and good footfall. • Mixed-use shop-with-flat-above premises.
Since 2020, most retail, café, restaurant, office and clinic uses fall under Class E, giving occupiers significant flexibility to change use without planning permission. This has made Norfolk high streets more adaptable — but landlord covenants in leases still matter, so always check before committing to a use change.
Norwich offers regional shopping with Chapelfield, Castle Quarter and the historic Lanes. Market towns like Attleborough, Wymondham and Diss have strong independent retail communities supported by surrounding rural populations. Roadside locations on the A11 and A47 attract drive-through and forecourt operators.
Class E covers most commercial high-street uses — shops, cafés, restaurants, offices, gyms and clinics. Within Class E you can change use without planning consent, but the lease may still require landlord consent for change of use.
Most retail rents are quoted per annum and paid quarterly in advance. Smaller market town shops typically range from £8,000–£25,000 per annum. Norwich prime retail commands significantly more.
Smaller retail units may qualify for Small Business Rate Relief, and some receive sector-specific reliefs. We can advise indicatively but always recommend checking with the local council's rates team.
Yes. Our commercial team regularly handles café, restaurant and takeaway premises across Norfolk — including units suitable for new operator start-ups.
Looking for a retail unit in Norfolk? Speak to our commercial team today. Call us on 01953 666780.