What is Class D Planning Usage?

Use Class E of the Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended) was introduced by the Government on 1st September 2020 and covers the former use classes of A1 (shops), A2 (financial and professional), A3 (restaurants and cafes) and parts of D1 (non-residential institutions) and D2 (assembly and leisure) and puts them all into one new use class.

Use class D

Understanding the Recent Changes to Use Class D in UK Planning

If you’re looking into planning and development, you might have heard about Use Class D. It used to cover places like schools, gyms, and cinemas, but recent changes have shaken things up. The UK government revamped the planning system to make it easier for property owners and developers to adapt buildings for different uses. Here’s what you need to know about the changes:

1. Goodbye to Use Class D, Hello to New Categories

Previously, Use Class D was split into two parts:

• Class D1: Included non-residential places like schools, nurseries, and museums.
• Class D2: Covered places for leisure and assembly, such as cinemas, gyms, and concert halls.

But as of September 2020, Use Class D was replaced with new categories to simplify things and offer more flexibility.

2. The New Class E: More Flexibility for Businesses

The biggest change is the creation of Class E, which brings together many of the uses from the old Class D1 and D2, along with some other uses like shops and offices.

Now, if a building is classified under Class E, it can be used for a wide range of purposes without needing new planning permission. For example, a gym (formerly Class D2) could be converted into an office or a shop with much less hassle.

3. Class F: Protecting Local Community Spaces

While Class E gives more flexibility, Class F was introduced to safeguard important community spaces.

• Class F1: Focuses on learning and non-residential institutions, like schools, libraries, and churches.
• Class F2: Protects spaces that serve local communities, such as village halls, sports grounds, and swimming pools.

These spaces are considered vital to community life, so the rules for changing their use remain stricter.

4. Sui Generis: Unique Uses That Need Special Permission

Finally, some of the uses that were previously part of Class D have been moved to a category called Sui Generis. This is a catch-all term for uses that are unique and don’t fit into the other classes.

For example, cinemas, concert halls, and nightclubs now fall under Sui Generis. This means if you want to change how these buildings are used, you’ll need to go through the full planning permission process.

What These Changes Mean for You

These updates have made it easier to change how certain buildings are used, especially for businesses in areas like London and Manchester, where flexibility is key. If you’re looking to develop a property or change its use, understanding these new classes can help you navigate the planning process more smoothly.

In summary:

• Class D1 and D2 are gone, replaced by the more flexible Class E and the community-focused Class F.
• Some uses, like cinemas, are now considered Sui Generis, which means you’ll need special permission to change their use.

These changes aim to make the planning system more adaptable, reflecting the needs of modern communities and businesses.

Below are some further details of the previous use class and case studies

D1 – Non Residential Institutions
D1 is any use not including a residential use:
* for the provision of any medical or health services except the use of premises attached to the    residence of the consultant or practioner
* as a crêche, day nursery or day centre
* for the provision of education
* for the display of works of art (otherwise than for sale or hire)
* as a museum
* as a public library or public reading room
* as a public hall or exhibition hall
* for, or in connection with, public worship or religious instruction

Sample of Conversion to D1 (educational): Click here

Sample of Conversion to D1 (healthcare): Click here

D2 – Assembly and Leisure
D2 use is used as:
* a cinema,
* a concert hall,
* a bingo hall or casino,
* a dance hall,
* a swimming bath, skating rink, gymnasium or area for other indoor or outdoor sports or recreations, not involving motorised vehicles or firearms.

Sample of Conversion to D2 (gymnasium/ personal training centre): Click here