Information for Applicants

Change of Use / Use Classes

The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) places uses of land and buildings into various categories called Use Classes.  A Use Class is a grouping together of similar land uses. For example, shops are grouped as Class A1, restaurants and cafés as A3.

View the Current Use Class Order on the Planning Portal

Changes of use within the same Use Class do not require the benefit of planning permission.  For example, from a butcher to a chemist (both Class A1).

Some changes of use between different Use Classes are permitted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.  For example, a bank (Class A2) to a retail use (Class A1). The Planning Portal provides a list of Permitted Changes. All other changes of use are likely to require planning permission.

Certain uses, due to their unique nature, for example, nightclubs, do not fall within any Use Class. Such uses are may be considered 'sui generis' (of their own kind). Planning permission is likely to be required for any change of use from or to a 'sui generis' use.

Finally, some uses comprise a mix of elements of different Use Classes.  For example, a café may include the sale of sandwiches and cold drinks to takeaway(Class A1) as well as hot food and drinks to eat on the premises (ClassA3). Such uses are normally considered to be 'sui generis'.

Whilst the Use Class Order may permit the change of use of a building, planning permission may still be required for associated building works.  

The lawful use of any premises or land may be that for which planning permission has been granted. However, many premises do not have a planning history of permissions; or uses have taken place without obtaining planning permission. 

If you require a formal confirmation of the lawful use of land or premises you will need to write to us and may be advised to make an application for Certificate of Lawful Use.