Change of use

In many cases, a change of use of a building or land does not require planning permission if both the present and proposed uses fall within the same ‘class’ as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. It is also possible to change use between some classes without making an application.

Applications for planning permission are always required for changes of use involving amusement centres, theatres, scrap yards, petrol filling stations, car showrooms, taxi and car hire businesses, and hostels and night clubs.

Before you negotiate a lease or buy a property, you should always check whether you would need planning permission for your intended use and your chances of getting it, even if the vendor, agent or landlord says it will be alright to use it for your intended use.

Use Classes

Part A

A1: Shops

  • Shops, post offices, travel/ticket agents, hairdressers, funeral directors, dry cleaners, sandwich bars. (No permitted change)

A2: Financial and Professional Services

  • Banks, building societies, estate/employment agencies and other financial and professional services. (Permitted change to A1 where a ground floor display window exists)

A3: Restaurants and Cafes

  • Restaurants, snack bars and cafes. (Permitted changes to A1 or A2)

A4: Drinking Establishments

  • Pubs and bars. (Permitted change to A1, A2 or A3)

A5: Hot Food Take-Aways

  • Take-Aways. (Permitted change to A1, A2 or A3)

Sui Generis

Shops selling and/or displaying motor vehicles, retail warehouse clubs, launderettes, taxi or vehicle hire businesses, amusement centres, petrol filling stations and night clubs. (No permitted change)

Part B

B1: Business

  • Offices, research and development, light industry appropriate in a residential area. (Permitted change to B8 where no more than 235sq m)

B2: General Industrial

  • General industry. (Permitted change to B1 or B8 where no more than 235sq m)

B8: Distribution, including Open Air Storage

  • Warehouse, distribution centres, repositories. (Permitted change to B1 where no more than 235sq m)

Sui Generis

  • Any works registrable under the Alkali, etc Works Regulation Act 1906. (No permitted change)

Part C

C1: Hotels

  • Hotels, boarding and guest houses. (No permitted change)

C2: Residential Institutions

  • Residential care homes, hospitals, nursing homes, boarding schools, residential colleges and training centres. (No permitted change)

C3: Dwelling Houses

  • Family houses, or houses occupied by up to six residents living together as a single household, including a household where care is provided for residents. (No permitted change)

Sui Generis

Hostel. (No permitted change)

Part D

D1: Non-Residential Institutions

  • Surgeries, health centres, crèches, nurseries, day centres, art galleries, museums, libraries, halls, churches and non-residential education and training centres. (No permitted change)

D2: Assembly and Leisure

  • Cinemas, concert halls, bingo and dance halls, casinos, swimming baths, skating rinks, gymnasiums or sports arenas (except for motor sports, or where firearms are used). (No permitted change)

Sui Generis

  • Theatres, nightclubs. (No permitted change)