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Use Classes Order Guide
Lichfields’ Use Classes Order Guide summarises, in an easy-to-use chart, all the use classes in England and how it is possible to change from one use to another without having to apply for planning permission. The table also explains the sui generis uses that lie outside the Use Classes Order, but benefit from permitted development rights.
On 1 September 2020, the Use Classes Order 1987 was significantly amended and we produced a simplified guide to this too, which does not include permitted development rights.
Following the coming into force of new permitted development rights in April 2021 and August 2021 we have fully revised the Lichfields’ Use Classes Order Guide. Page 1 shows the change of use permitted development rights available to each of the various use classes and page 2 shows them for sui generis uses and agricultural buildings, and lists temporary change of use permitted development rights. Page 2 also includes our September 2020 guide to current use classes compared with the use classes certain uses fell into prior to September 2020.
Please contact us if you wish to discuss any element of the guides, or how they interface with permitted development rights. We can also advise on the permitted development rights available to prior to 1 August 2021, which may be relevant to development commenced before that date and/or to prior approvals granted before that date.
The Lichfields' 'Guide to the Use Classes Order' has been significantly revised to show the change of use permitted development rights that have come into force during 2021 and to provide a comparison of current use classes and use classes prior to 1 September 2020.
The Guide allows one to see at first glance whether a proposed change of use requires planning permission, and to identify potential permitted development rights, without having to unravel complex legislation.
Jennie Baker, Associate Director, Lichfields