A Complete Guide to UK Planning Use Classes (2025 Edition)

Understanding the UK’s planning use classes is essential for developers, property investors, architects, and anyone considering a change of use for land or buildings. The planning system in England categorises different types of property and land uses under distinct "use classes". This system helps local planning authorities determine what types of developments are appropriate in different areas. Whether you’re converting a shop to a café or a house into an HMO, use classes play a central role.

Below is a clear and up-to-date directory of use classes in England as of 2025, including changes from the 2020 reforms. This guide will help you understand which class your property falls into and what changes of use are permitted without planning permission (under permitted development rights).

Table of Contents

1. The 2020 Use Class Reform: What Changed?
2. The Current Use Class Categories
   • Class E – Commercial, Business and Service
   • Class F1 – Learning and Non-Residential Institutions
   • Class F2 – Local Community Uses
   • Sui Generis – Uses Outside Standard Classes
   • Residential Use Classes (C Classes)
   • Other Legacy Use Classes (B and D Classes)
3. What is a Sui Generis Use?
4. Can You Change Use Without Planning Permission?
5. How to Apply for a Change of Use
6. Need Expert Advice? Contact 4D Planning

The 2020 Use Class Reform: What Changed?

In September 2020, the UK government introduced major changes to simplify the planning system. The aim was to provide flexibility in the way buildings are used, especially in high streets and town centres.

The biggest change was the creation of Class E, which absorbed many former classes including A1 (shops), A2 (financial services), A3 (restaurants), B1 (offices), and parts of D1 and D2. This means that many changes of use within Class E no longer require planning permission.

The Current Use Class Categories

Class E – Commercial, Business and Service

Introduced in 2020, Class E is a flexible use class covering a wide range of commercial and service activities, including:

• E(a): Shops
• E(b): Restaurants and cafés (excluding pubs and takeaways)
• E(c): Financial and professional services (banks, estate agents)
• E(d): Indoor sport, recreation, or fitness (gyms, yoga studios)
• E(e): Medical or health services (clinics, dentists)
• E(f): Crèches, day nurseries
• E(g): Offices, R&D, and light industry

Tip: You can generally switch between uses within Class E without needing full planning permission.

Class F1 – Learning and Non-Residential Institutions

Class F1 includes public and institutional uses that are not easily commodified:

• Schools and educational establishments
• Libraries and public reading rooms
• Art galleries and museums
• Places of worship
• Public halls

Class F2 – Local Community Uses

Class F2 is focused on preserving small-scale facilities for local communities:

• Small shops (under 280 sqm, no other similar shop within 1km)

• Halls or meeting places for the local community

• Outdoor recreation areas

• Swimming pools and skating rinks

Sui Generis – Uses Outside Standard Classes

“Sui generis” is Latin for “of its own kind”. These uses do not fall within any standard use class and typically require planning permission for change of use:

• Pubs and bars
• Takeaways (hot food)
• Cinemas
• Nightclubs
• Casinos and betting shops
• Car showrooms
• Tattoo studios
• HMOs (in some cases, see C4)

Note: The government continues to expand this list. Always check with a planning consultant before making changes.

Residential Use Classes (C Classes)

• C1: Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs (no primary care provision)

• C2: Residential institutions (care homes, hospitals, boarding schools)

• C2A: Secure residential institutions (prisons, military barracks)

• C3: Dwelling houses (families, single households)

• C4: Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs, 3–6 residents)

Other Legacy Use Classes (B and D Classes)

While B1, A1, A2, and most of D1/D2 are now under Class E, some legacy classes still apply:

• B2: General industrial use

• B8: Storage and distribution

• D2: Some leisure uses now Sui Generis

What is a Sui Generis Use?

If a building use doesn’t fit into the defined classes, it is deemed Sui Generis. This often includes niche or potentially disruptive uses. Changing to or from a Sui Generis use nearly always requires full planning permission.

Can You Change Use Without Planning Permission?

Thanks to permitted development rights, many changes between uses within Class E do not require planning permission. However, there are exceptions based on location, size, and local planning policies.

Changes from residential (C3) to commercial (E), or vice versa, often require permission. Similarly, moving to/from Sui Generis uses usually involves a full planning application.

How to Apply for a Change of Use

If your intended change of use is not permitted automatically, you’ll need to:

1. Submit a planning application via your local planning authority.

2. Include plans, impact assessments, and justifications.

3. Await a decision, typically within 8–12 weeks.

It’s strongly recommended to consult a planning expert before applying.

At 4D Planning, we specialise in navigating complex planning regulations. Whether you're converting a property or launching a new venture, we can:

• Advise on permitted uses

• Submit lawful development certificates

• Manage full planning applications

Contact us today for a free consultation and unlock the potential of your property.