Guide to the Use Classes Order in England
All buildings fall under a Use Class as defined by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). This guide provides an overview of the current Use Classes Order and the permitted development rights available to change between uses as set out within the Town and County Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended). Reference must be made to the limitations, restrictions and conditions contained within the legislation before proceeding with any change of use It will be necessary to check whether permitted development rights have been withdrawn for your property or area before commencing any change of use
Uses which do not fall within the specified use classes includes theatres, large HMO (more than six people sharing), hostels, petrol filling stations, shops selling and/or displaying motor vehicles, scrap yards, retail warehouses, nightclubs, launderettes, taxi or vehicle hire businesses, amusement centres, casinos, funfairs, waste disposal installations, betting offices, payday loan shops, pubs or drinking establishments, drinking establishments with expanded food provision, hot food takeaways, venues for live music performances, cinemas, concert halls, bingo halls, dance halls and other uses.
Changes of use within the same use class do not require planning permission. There may also be temporary permitted development rights available which are not covered in this guide. (Please see part 4 of the GPDO). Some changes will require the Council's Prior Approval before the change of use can take place Building regulations will still apply
