Case Study 05: Planning Appraisal for Change of Use From Hot Food Takeaway (Sui Generis) to Restaurant (Class E)

The client instructed Homz to provide feasibility on their site for a Change of Use From Hot Food Takeaway (Sui Generis) to Restaurant (Class E) in Torbay Council. Our Senior Town Planner has conducted research within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to understand whether the local planning authority is applying any constraints on the designated property

Planning approval will be required for this proposal via the submission of a full planning application for a material change of use as the site is currently designated to Sui Generis which relates relates to the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises and it will need to be allocated as Class E which is related to commercial, business and service uses.

Planning consent will be required for this proposal through the submission of a full planning application for a material change of use from sui generis to Class E. While obtaining planning permission is necessary, We are confident that this proposal is feasible to present to the Local Planning Authority (LPA).

The site, situated within the Torquay Harbour Conservation area, should not pose significant constraints for the proposed project. Moreover, its location within the town center, specifically within the Core Tourism Investment Area and Community Investment Area of Torquay, where Class E uses are deemed acceptable, further supports the viability of the proposed change of use. Therefore, this project stands a reasonable to strong likelihood of securing the necessary planning approval.

In accordance with Policy SP3: Employment and Policy DM9: Expansion of industrial and warehousing premises within the Torbay Borough, our proposal for the change of use from a Hot Food Takeaway (Sui Generis) to a Restaurant (Class E) in the Torquay Harbour Conservation Area aligns with the Council’s aim to promote innovation, investment, and employment opportunities. The policies encourage development that supports enterprise and increased employment while also facilitating the redevelopment of low-density industrial and warehousing premises into higher-density alternatives.

After the planning appraisal, our client sent us their brief, along with visual information and sketches of their proposal. Our architects meticulously examined this information and prepared architectural drawings according to the brief. Our Architects and Town Planners prepared the supporting documents Architectural Plans, and Planning Statements. Please see the plans of this project in our Portfolio. Our team has successfully submitted and managed the planning application with the council. Following the waiting period of the decision, Homz has scored another successful Approval for this planning application on behalf of our client.