Use Classes

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/ USE CLASSES

PLANNING INFORMATION

PROPERTY CHANGE OF USE

What is Change of Use?

The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 2020 categorizes the uses of land and buildings into various 'Use Classes'.

Changing a use within the same class typically does not constitute ‘development’ and does not require planning permission. However, planning permission is generally required to switch uses between different classes, unless the proposed change qualifies as permitted development. In such cases, an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness should be submitted to the Local Authority.

Many small businesses operate within Class E (commercial and service uses), while community facilities may fall under Class F1 (learning and non-residential institutions) or Class F2 (local community uses). Residential properties are classified under Class C, which encompasses a variety of residential types.

It is advisable to check the likelihood of obtaining planning permission for a change of use before purchasing or leasing a property.

Drawing and Planning has a successful track record of assisting clients in securing Change of Use planning consent from their Local Councils.

Use Classes History and the 2020 Amendment

The 2020 amendment brought the most significant changes to the Use Classes Order in over 30 years. These updates aimed to modernise and simplify the planning system to reflect evolving economic and social needs.

Highlights of the 2020 Amendment:

Introduction of Class E
Class E consolidates several previously separate use classes into a single, flexible category. It covers:
- Retail sale of goods(excluding hot food)
- Financial and professional services
- Restaurants
- Indoor sports
- Medical or health services
- Offices
  This flexibility allows property owners to adapt to changing market demands without needing planning permission, particularly benefiting high streets struggling with declining footfall.
Creation of Class F
Class F safeguards community-focused uses, such as:
- Schools
- Places of worship
- Local community facilities
  By separating these from commercial categories, their unique social value is better protected.
Abolition of Certain Classes
Previous use classes like A1 (shops), A2 (financial services), and A3 (restaurants) were merged into Class E. This simplification reduces bureaucracy and promotes easier transitions between compatible uses.

These reforms highlight a proactive approach to urban planning, enabling quicker responses to trends such as the rise of online retail and demand for mixed-use developments.

Use Classes Order Timeline

1948 – The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1948
1950 – The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1950
1963 – The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1963
1972 – The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972
1987 – The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987
2020 – The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Order 2020

Click on any year to explore the details of these changes.

Note:

Until 2000, the Use Classes Order applied to both England and Wales. Since then, updates have been made independently for each country. The 2020 amendment, applicable in England, reflects a more flexible and modern approach to planning in response to current challenges and opportunities.

Change of Use to or from Class E

Change of Use to or from Class B

Change of Use to or from Class C

Change of Use to or from Class F1

Change of Use to or from Class F2

Change of Use to or from Class Sui Generis

If you are looking to change a vital element of a building which will affect its main purpose, you may need to look into planning permission and change of use. Change of use is, quite simply, when you make major differences to a property which affects the service you give, changing it from one class to another. But what are building use classes?

When asking what are building use classes, you need to consider the simple concept of use class orders and the like. The government has use class orders (such as classes A, B, C and D) so that they can easily identify a use, and any major change that may affect the surrounding area. If your change won’t move the building from one class to another then no planning permission is needed – otherwise you will need to submit an application for change to one of the classes A, B C and D.

The classes are fairly simple overall, mainly changing depending on the service and overall use of a particular building. Again this is for simplicity’s sake, and without it the council would find it a lot more difficult to class buildings and such based on overall priority and benefit to the people, since that is ultimately what the function of a council is for, and you need to abide by all the regulations at all times.

Drawing and Planning is a leading architectural firm in London, specializing in creating innovative designs and providing sustainable planning solutions. Our team of experienced architects is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. We have successfully worked with councils such as Camden, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster, Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Waltham Forest and City of London.