Change of Use to Medical Health Services (Class E(e)) – Croydon Case Study

Conversion to Medical and Health Services (Class E(e))

Transforming Vacant Premises into a Medical Facility in Croydon

Securing planning permission for a change of use can often be the difference between a vacant unit and a thriving successful business. In Croydon, the transformation of a vacant commercial premises into a medical health services facility highlights how planning expertise and a clear strategy can lead to success. This case study explains how 4D Planning obtained approval from Croydon Council for a change of use from Commercial Business and Service (Use Class E(a–d) and Sui Generis) to Medical and Health Services (Class E(e)), together with new shopfront signage.

Background: Understanding Use Class E and Sui Generis

What is Use Class E and Sui Generis?

Introduced in September 2020, Use Class E simplified the planning framework for commercial premises. It groups together a wide range of uses such as shops, offices, restaurants, gyms, medical centres, and nurseries. The aim was to create flexibility for businesses and reduce the need for repeated planning applications.

However, not all premises fit neatly into this class. Some fall under Sui Generis (a Latin term meaning “in a class of its own”), which includes uses such as hot food takeaways or betting shops. Where a property has mixed or former uses, a careful analysis is required to confirm whether planning permission is needed.

Why Class E(e) Matters and Outcome: Planning Permission Granted

The significance of Class E for health care and medical services.

Within Use Class E, sub-class (e) specifically covers “medical or health services” provided by health professionals such as doctors, dentists, or clinics. In Croydon and across London, the demand for medical premises is increasing due to population growth and greater emphasis on community health. Converting commercial premises into health facilities can be a sustainable and profitable way to repurpose urban units. 4D Planning have years of experience assisting clients achieve planning approvals for new medical centres and health care facilities. This Croydon case study is one example of many similar projects around London and other parts of the UK.

The Site and the Proposal

Location and Context

The application site is located in Croydon, an area undergoing rapid regeneration. The premises had previously been used under Use Class E(a–d) with elements of Sui Generis. The new tenant intended to establish a medical health services facility, requiring both internal alterations and new shopfront signage. The site benefits from good transport links and is close to residential neighbourhoods, making it well-suited for health-related use.

Key Objectives

• Change of use from commercial/service to medical and health services (Class E(e))
• Secure approval for new shopfront signage to reflect the rebranding
• Demonstrate that the proposal would not harm local amenity or the Croydon town centre environment
• Provide evidence that the new use aligned with Croydon Council’s planning policies and the London Plan

Planning Considerations

Compliance with National Policy (NPPF) and Croydon Local Plan

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) encourages the effective reuse of buildings and supports access to health services within communities. Locally, Croydon Council’s Local Plan supports a diverse mix of uses in town centres, provided they enhance vitality and do not undermine residential amenity.

Noise, Traffic, and Amenity Impacts

One of the key concerns when converting commercial premises is whether the new use will generate noise, traffic, or other impacts that harm nearby residents. In this case:

• The use as a medical facility was considered low impact compared with previous Sui Generis activities.
• Vehicle trips would mainly consist of appointments spread throughout the day, reducing peak congestion.
• Internal design ensured patient privacy and acoustic separation.

Shopfront design and signage compliance

The new signage needed to comply with Croydon Council’s Advertisement SPD. The design proposed was modest, professional, and sympathetic to the street scene. 4D Planning liaised with the signage company and client to ensure that the drawings clearly illustrated scale, illumination, and materials as required for validation purposes and to gain the council’s support.

Planning Strategy and Submission

Preparing the Planning Statement and precedent use

4D Planning prepared a comprehensive planning statement, referencing previous successful applications including medical-use projects handled across London. By demonstrating precedent and consistency, we strengthened the case that the Croydon site would operate in line with approved developments elsewhere.

Engaging with Croydon Council Planners

The application was submitted with:

• Existing and proposed architectural drawings
• A planning statement highlighting compliance with the Croydon Local Plan 2018 and national policy
• Justification for the signage design
• Supporting information on amenity, noise, and access

Our consultants maintained open communication with Croydon Council officers, clarifying minor points during validation to avoid delays.

Outcome: Planning Permission Granted

Croydon Council granted planning permission for:

• Change of use to Medical Health Services (Class E(e))
• New shopfront signage 

This approval allowed the franchisee to move forward with fit-out and opening, providing valuable healthcare services to the local community.

The success demonstrates how thorough preparation, clear justification, and awareness of local policy can achieve swift approval, even when dealing with complex prior uses.

Practical Insight & Best Practices

Our suggestions to achieve a better and positive outcome

1. Early Assessment of Use Classes Always confirm whether the current use falls within Class E, Sui Generis, or a mix. Getting this wrong can lead to enforcement action or refusal.
2. Tailored Planning Statements A strong planning statement should highlight relevant case law, appeal decisions, and precedents. In this case, referencing other successful medical-use applications reassured Croydon Council.
3. Respect for Design and Signage Guidance Even minor elements like shopfront signage can trigger objections if poorly designed. Always ensure compliance with local SPDs and adopt a professional, understated aesthetic.
4. Professional Representation Working with a planning consultant can make the process smoother, avoid invalidation, and increase the chances of success. It doesn’t have to be a big expense to instruct a professional. Get in touch with 4D Planning for a free consultation and a free quote to consider your options and assist you with your project.

Wider Relevance for Medical Use Conversions

Our Croydon case study is part of a broader trend:

• Healthcare demand is growing, particularly in urban centres.
• Vacant commercial premises offer opportunities for sustainable reuse.
• Use Class E(e) provides a framework to enable conversions, but careful navigation of planning rules remains vital. 

Borough-specific planning nuances

Other London boroughs such as Barnet, Brent, Camden, Westminster and Wandsworth are seeing similar applications. Each authority applies policy nuances, making expert guidance crucial.

Conclusion and what to do next

Recap and success factors

If you are considering a change of use for a commercial premises in Croydon or elsewhere in London, our team at 4D Planning is here to help. We have extensive experience with Use Class E applications, medical uses, and shopfront designs, and we have a proven record of success across numerous boroughs around London and other parts of the UK.

Invitation to work with our team at 4D Planning

Contact us today for a free consultation and free quote - you will be glad that you did!