Change of use of from Car Garage (B2) to a Restaurant (Use Class E)

Change of Use from Car Garage (B2) to Restaurant (Use Class E) in Hackney

Planning Permission for Change of Use from B2 to Restaurant (Use Class E)

This case study relates to the approved change of use of a car garage at 116 Petherton Road, Hackney, from a B2 industrial use to a restaurant falling within Use Class E.

Following the 2020 changes to the Use Classes Order, restaurants are now categorised under Use Class E rather than the former A3 use class. However, a change from B2 to Use Class E still requires full planning permission due to the material differences in land use, particularly in terms of noise, activity levels, and impact on neighbouring amenity.

The application involved the conversion of an existing ground floor vehicle repair garage, with basement storage, into a high quality restaurant with seating, kitchen facilities, and associated servicing arrangements.

Site Context and Suitability for Restaurant Use

The site is located within a mixed use terrace on Petherton Road, with commercial uses at ground floor and residential flats above. This context is typical within Hackney and requires careful consideration of amenity impacts when introducing a restaurant use.

The proposal made efficient use of both the ground floor and basement, accommodating:

• A main dining area with up to 45 covers
• A private dining space in the basement for an additional 12 guests
• Kitchen facilities positioned to the rear of the property
• Storage, office space, and a wine cellar at basement level

This resulted in a total capacity of approximately 57 people, providing an active and viable commercial use while remaining proportionate to the size of the site .

Justifying the Loss of B2 Garage Use

A key planning issue was the loss of an existing car garage (B2 use), particularly in a borough where employment uses are often protected.

The application demonstrated that:

• The existing garage use generated noise, fumes, and disturbance
• The proposed restaurant use would improve environmental conditions
• The development would increase employment from 2 to 5 staff members
• The proposal would contribute positively to the local economy and high street vitality

This aligned with Hackney’s strategic objectives to support sustainable economic growth and enhance local centres.

Extraction Flue Design and Amenity Considerations

One of the most sensitive aspects of restaurant planning applications is the design of the extraction system.

The proposal included a rear extraction flue, carefully designed to minimise impact:

• Located at the rear of the property away from neighbouring windows
• Set approximately 3.5m from nearby residential terraces
• Designed to terminate above eaves level if required by the council
• Carbon filters and fan equipment located internally within the kitchen

This approach reduced potential noise and odour impacts while avoiding visual harm to the building and surrounding area .

Opening Hours, Servicing and Operations

The proposed restaurant was designed to operate primarily during daytime and evening hours, with flexibility to adjust closing times if required by the council.

Refuse and recycling arrangements were also addressed, with commercial waste collected by a private contractor and recycling managed through the local authority.

These operational details were important in demonstrating that the use could function without adverse impact on neighbouring residential occupiers.

Why the Change of Use Was Approved

Planning permission was granted based on a clear and well-justified planning case that demonstrated:

• The site’s suitability for a Use Class E restaurant in a mixed-use area
• Improved amenity compared to the existing garage use
• A well-designed extraction system with minimal impact
• Positive economic benefits, including job creation and support for local activity

The proposal aligned with both local and national planning policy by promoting sustainable development and supporting the evening economy.

Change of Use from Garage to Restaurant – Key Planning Considerations

This project highlights several important considerations for similar applications in Hackney and across London:

1. Change of use from B2 to Use Class E requires full planning permission
2. Loss of industrial uses must be clearly justified
3. Extraction and ventilation design is often critical to approval
4. Mixed-use locations require careful management of amenity impacts
5. Operational details such as opening hours and waste management are important

​The Value of Using a Chartered Planning Consultancy

Securing planning permission for a change of use from garage to restaurant requires a detailed understanding of planning policy, design constraints, and technical requirements.

4D Planning provides:

• Feasibility advice and planning strategy from the outset
• Preparation of robust planning statements and supporting documents
• Coordination of architectural and technical design, including extraction systems
• Full management of the planning application process

This ensures that applications are policy-compliant, well-justified, and positioned for a successful outcome.