Change of Use
Planning a change of use for your property in England? We can help you understand whether you need planning permission and manage the application process. Whether your proposal involves a shop, office, restaurant or home, we can advise on the planning requirements.
A change of use means using land or a building for a different purpose. The first step is to understand its existing use and the use you propose. This helps establish which planning route applies to your plans.
Understanding planning use classes
In England, the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) groups land and buildings according to their use. Class E covers commercial, business and service uses. Examples include shops, restaurants, cafés, offices and gyms. Class C3 covers dwellinghouses, while Classes B2 and B8 cover general industrial and storage and distribution uses.
Some uses sit outside these classes. Planners call these “sui generis” uses. Examples include pubs, hot food takeaways and cinemas.
What does Class E mean for your plans?
Changes introduced on 1 September 2020 brought several former use classes together under Class E (https://www NULL.planningportal NULL.co NULL.uk/permission/common-projects/change-of-use). These included Classes A1, A2, A3 and B1, alongside parts of D1 and D2. The changes also created Classes F.1 and F.2 for learning, non-residential institution and local community uses.
Moving between uses within Class E does not need planning permission. However, planning conditions or legal agreements on an existing permission can still limit a move, so we check the planning history first. Also, not every business use falls within that class. We can explain what the classifications mean for your business or development proposal.
Do you need change of use planning permission?
We can advise on whether your proposal needs a planning application or falls within permitted development rights. Some permitted development rights require prior approval from the Council. We can help you understand that distinction before you choose an application route.
Where permitted development rights cover your proposal, a certificate of lawfulness can confirm its lawful status. We can advise on this option and manage the full application process.
Talk to us about your change of use
Considering a new use for your property? Speak to us about your plans. We review the existing and proposed uses, explain the planning requirements and help you identify the next step.
Email info@shapeplanning.co.uk (info null@null shapeplanning NULL.co NULL.uk) or use the form below.
We send you a fee proposal before we start work, so you know where you stand on cost.