Change of Use applications are subject to specific planning regulations and guidelines in the UK. The government has established different use classes that define the permitted uses of properties. It is essential to comprehend these use classes and how they impact change of use applications.

From Class A (Shops) to Class F2 (Local community) each class has its own set of rules and requirements, which must be considered before embarking on a change of use project. Homz is your one-stop solution partner for all planning consents and licenses for C3 to C4 Conversions, Care Home Conversions, Conversions to Flats, and HMO Conversions in the UK.

Depending on what you are planning to do, in addition to looking great, your project may also require some kind of planning permission. The good news is that at Homz we have expert planning consultants and architects making sure that your project meets all of the necessary planning criteria to ensure planning consent.

Our Town Planners are here to provide you with Pre-Planning Advice on whether you need planning permission or not. Feel free to Contact Us with your enquiries and our expert team will get in touch with a FREE No Obligation Chat regarding your project.

Types of Change of Use Projects

Change of use projects in the UK can encompass a wide range of scenarios. Let’s explore some common types of projects that frequently require change of use permissions:

a. Commercial to Residential Conversion: Converting commercial spaces, such as offices, warehouses, or shops, into residential dwellings to address the growing demand for housing.

b. Residential to Commercial Conversion: Converting houses into HMO’s (House in multiple occupations), Care Homes, Conversion to Flats.

c. Agricultural to Commercial/Residential Conversion: Transforming agricultural buildings into commercial spaces or residential units, fostering economic growth in rural areas.

d. Office to Residential Conversion: Repurposing office spaces into multiple flats or shared accommodations like HMOs.

e. Industrial to Leisure Conversion: Converting disused industrial facilities into recreational or entertainment venues, revitalising communities and providing new leisure opportunities.

Change of Use Classes

The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) puts uses of land and buildings into various categories known as ‘Use Classes’. It is generally the case that you will need Planning Permission to change from one use class to another, although there are many exceptions which are referred to as ‘Permitted Changes’, allowing some changes between uses.

The general principle is that a use can change if it does not have the potential for greater detriment to the public, or to neighbouring uses. For example, A3, (restaurant) uses can change to A1, (shop) use without the need for planning permission. However, if you are proposing to change the use of property or land, you should always seek advice from a planning consultant or your Council to confirm whether planning permission is required or not. In any event, you may wish to have documentary evidence of the change and you can achieve this via a ‘Certificate of Lawfulness’, which provide assurance that the new use will be free from the threat of planning enforcement.

Before you negotiate a lease or buy a property, it may be advisable to consider whether you need to obtain planning permission for your intended use and, if so, your chances of getting planning approval for it.

Use Class B – Business that serves people

B1 – Business (Offices and Research and Development)

B2 – General Industrial
B8 – Storage and Distribution

Use Class C – Locations where people sleep

C1 – Hotels
C2 – Residential Institutions (care homes, hospitals, nursing homes, boarding schools, residential colleges and training centres)
C2A – Secure residential institutions
C3 – Dwellinghouse
C4 – HMOs

Use Class E – Commercial, Business and Service

Various uses from shops, offices, restaurants, light industrial, and much more

Use Class F1 – Learning and non-residential institutions

Schools, galleries, museums and more

Use Class F2 – Local community uses

Local Community uses

Class Q – Barns and Agricultural buildings 

Sui Generis 

If it isn’t in one of the use classes above, then it is under Sui Generis.