Published: 28/11/2024
Understanding Planning Use Classes for Commercial Properties in the UKIn the UK, commercial properties are divided into planning use classes, which are part of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. These classes define the types of activities a property can be used for, ensuring that the planning system can manage land use effectively and preserve the character of different areas. Here’s an expanded look at the key use classes:
1. Class E – Commercial, Business, and Service Uses
Class E is one of the most flexible use classes, covering a wide range of commercial activities, including:
Shops: Retail spaces like clothing stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
Offices: Office spaces for professional services, administration, and more.
Cafes and Restaurants: Spaces for food and drink establishments, including takeaways.
Gyms and Fitness Centers: Places for physical activity and wellbeing services.
Healthcare Services: Clinics, dentists, and other healthcare providers.
Class E was introduced in 2020 to consolidate and simplify several older use classes. This makes it easier for property owners to switch between different uses within the class without needing planning permission, as long as the change does not significantly alter the property’s impact on the surrounding area.
2. Class B2 – Industrial Use
Class B2 covers industrial activities, typically associated with manufacturing or other processes that require heavy machinery, factory-like environments, and space for production. Examples include:
Factories: Manufacturing goods, such as textiles, machinery, or electronic components.
Workshop spaces: Areas where products are made, assembled, or repaired.
These properties are often located in industrial estates or zones designated for such uses, due to their potential for noise, traffic, or environmental impacts.
3. Class B8 – Storage and Distribution
Class B8 is focused on properties used for the storage, warehousing, and distribution of goods. These include:
Warehouses: Large spaces for storing goods, materials, or inventory.
Distribution Centers: Facilities for packing, sorting, and shipping products to retailers or consumers.
Logistics Hubs: Locations that serve as central points for managing supply chains and transporting goods.
These properties are crucial for the logistics and retail sectors, especially with the rise of e-commerce, requiring easy access to transport routes like roads, railways, and airports.
4. Class F1 – Education and Non-Commercial Uses
Class F1 is reserved for educational, social, and community-focused purposes. Examples include:
Schools and Colleges: Primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.
Libraries and Museums: Spaces for learning and public services.
Places of Worship: Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious buildings.
Community Centers: Spaces for local groups, youth clubs, and social services.
These properties are non-commercial and typically provide services that benefit the public, making them an important part of community infrastructure.
5. Sui Generis – Unique Uses
"Sui Generis" refers to properties that don’t fit neatly into the other use classes. These properties have unique characteristics that don’t align with a particular category. Examples include:
Pubs and Bars: Public houses or venues for entertainment and socializing.
Cinemas and Theaters: Venues for film and live performances.
Nightclubs: Venues offering late-night entertainment and dancing.
Takeaways and Hot Food Bars: Food establishments that fall outside the scope of Class E.
These properties often require more specific planning considerations due to their unique nature and the impact they can have on the surrounding environment.
Changing Use Classes and Planning Permission
If you want to change the use of a property (e.g., turning a shop into a gym or an office into a café), you may need to apply for planning permission, especially if the new use falls outside the same use class. Some changes within the same use class, like switching between certain commercial or service uses under Class E, can be done without permission. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance.
Changes from Sui Generis to any other class or between different classes like B2 to B8 usually require planning approval, as they can have more significant impacts on the area.
Key Takeaways
- Planning use classes provide a framework for what activities can take place in a property.
- Class E offers the most flexibility for commercial activities.
- Class B2 and B8 focus on industrial and warehousing uses.
- Class F1 covers educational and community-focused properties.
- Sui Generis is for properties that don’t fit neatly into other classes.
