Change of use of buildings
Use Classes Order
As well as new building work, Development Control also applies to what is termed 'material changes of use' of buildings or land.
A material change of use occurs when the character and effect of change is substantially different to what went before. We need to evaluate each case individually to decide whether or not a change is material.
The use classes are described using a letter such as A2, B2 etc. A planning application is needed if the existing and proposed use of land or buildings fall within different classes. No application is required if the proposed and existing uses fall within the same class. Follow the links to the Planning Portal below for further information.
Summary of use classes
| Class |
Description |
| A1 |
Shops |
| A2 |
Financial and professional services (where services are principally to visiting members of the public) |
| A3 |
Restaurants and cafés |
| A4 |
Drinking establishments |
| A5 |
Hot food take-aways |
| B1 |
Business (offices, research and development or any industrial process which can be carried out in a residential area without harm to residential amenities) |
| B2 |
General industry |
| B8 |
Storage and distribution |
| C1 |
Hotels |
| C2 |
Residential institutions |
| C3 |
Dwelling houses |
| D1 |
Non-residential institutions |
| D2 |
Assembly and leisure |
Date Updated: 26/03/08