Planning - change of use
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes)
Order 1987 (as amended) places uses of land and buildings into a
number of different catagories called Use Classes. Each
use class groups together similar types of use.
Some uses, however, are specifically excluded from any use class
and are known as Sui Generis.
Planning permission is not required for change
of use of buildings within each class, and certain changes of use
between use classes can also be carried out as 'permitted
development' - an example being, a bank (Class A2) to a retail
use (Class A1) Planning permission is however required to
change to any 'Sui Generis' use.
Some uses comprise a mix of elements from
different use classes. An example of this would be a cafe
which includes both the sale of cold food and drinks to takeaway
(Class A1) and the sale of hot food and drinks to eat on the
premises (Class A3). Uses such as this are
normally considered to be 'Sui Generis.'
The table below lists all the use classes and the
types of business which fall within each class. Please contact us
if you are unsure which use class an activity falls into or if
permission is required for your proposed change of use.
The Use Classes
Order 1987 (as amended) 54kb pdf
If you would like formal confirmation of the
lawful use of land or premises you would need to apply for a Lawful
Development Certificate. Further details on how to apply and the
relevant forms can be accessed below.
Please note that while the Use Classes Order
may allow the change of use you propose, planning permission
and/or building regulations approval may be required for any
associated building works. Also, if you do need permission
for your proposed use you must apply for formal planning
permission. Further advice and guidance can be found via the
links below.