Use Classes Order

Every use of land or buildings in England & Wales is categorised into a Use Classes Order. Change of use between classes normally requires planning consent. Change of use within a sub-class (e.g. Class A1) does not require planning permission. However, local planning authorities can impose different parking requirements upon uses within sub-categories, thus requiring definition of these to be made explicit. 
 
The following quick reference guide is designed to assist you in identifying the correct use class designation for your particular property. For full details of permitted use and as to changes of use, contact John Lewis on 01932 700063 or email john.lewis@anthonyjlewis.com


PART A.
 
Class A1.    Shops
 
Use for all or any of the following:
 
a) Retail sale of goods other than hot food

b) Post office

c) Sale of tickets as a travel agency

d) Sale of sandwiches & other cold food for consumption off premises

e)               Hairdressing

f)                Funeral Directors

g)               Display of goods for sale

h)               Hiring out of domestic or personal goods or articles

i)                Washing or cleaning of clothes / fabrics in the premises

j)                Receiving of goods to be cleaned, washed or repaired

Where the sale, display or service is to visiting members of the public.

Class A2.   Financial & Professional Services

a) Financial services, or

b) Professional services (other than health or medical), or

c) Any other services (including betting office) which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area

Where the services are principally to visiting members of the public.

Class A3.    Restaurant

Class A4.    Bar

Class A5.    Takeaway

PART B

Class B1.    Business

Use for all or any of the following purposes:

a)               Office other than a use within class A2

b)               Research & development of products & processes, or

c)               Any industrial process

Being a use which can be carried out in many residential area without detriment to the amenity to the amenity of that area by reason of noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, soot, ash, dust or grit.

Class B2.   General Industrial

Use for the carrying on of an industrial process other than one falling within Class B1.

Class B8.   Storage & Distribution

Use for storage of as a distribution centre.

PART C

Class C1.    Hotels

Use as a hotel or as a boarding or guest house where, in each casino significant element of care is provided.
 
Class C2.    Residential Institutions

Use for the provision of residential accommodation and care to people in need of care |(other than a use with C3).

Use as a hospital or nursing home.

Use as a residential school, college or training centre.


Class C3.    Dwelling Houses


Use as a dwelling house

 

a)               By a single person or by people living together as a family, or

b)               By not more than six residents living together as a single household (including where care is provided for the residents).

PART D

Class D1.   Non-Residential Institutions

Any use not including a residential use:

a)               Any medical or health services except the use of premises attached to the residence of the consultant or practitioner

b)               Crèche, day nursery or day centre

c)               Provision of education

d)               Display or works of art (other than for sale or hire)

e)               Museum

f)                Public library or public reading room

g)               Public hall or exhibition centre

h)               For or in connection with public worship or religious instruction

 

Class D2.   Assembly & Leisure

 

a)               Cinema

b)               Concert hall

c)               Bingo hall or casino

d)               Dance hall

e)               Swimming bath, skating rink, gymnasium or area for other indoor or outdoor sports or recreations, not involving motorised vehicles or firearms.