The client requested for a change of use planning application to extend an existing restaurant to the next door shop which had previously been a clinic.
We designed, submitted drawings and got permission from Kingston Council.
It is now double the size!
Applications for planning permission are always required for changes of use from premises in a mixed use, a common example is a delicatessen or coffee bar which offers food for eating on the premises (A1/A3 use). Before you negotiate a lease or buy a property, you should always check whether you would need planning permission for your intended use and your chances of getting it, even if the vendor, agent or landlord says the change will be permitted. Check further guidance about change of use on the planning portal.
Use classes and permitted changes
| Use class | Types of premises | Permitted changes |
|---|---|---|
| A1: Shops | Shops, post offices, travel/ticket agents, hairdressers, funeral directors, dry cleaners, sandwich bars |
Permitted change for 2 years only to flexible A1/A2/A3/B1 Permitted change to A1 & up to 2 flats |
| A2: Financial and Professional Services | Banks, building societies, estate/employment agencies and other financial and professional services | Permitted change to A1 where a ground floor display window exists Permitted change for 2 years only to flexible A1/A2/A3/B1 Permitted change to A1 & up to 2 flats Permitted change to A2 & up to 2 flats |
| A3: Restaurants and Cafes | Restaurants, snack bars and cafes | Permitted changes to A1 or A2 Permitted change for 2 years only to flexible A1/A2/A3/B1 |
| A4: Drinking Establishments | Pubs and bars |
Permitted change to A1, A2 or A3 Permitted change for 2 years only to flexible A1/A2/A3/B1 |
|
A: Sui Generis |
Shops selling and/or displaying motor vehicles, retail warehouse clubs, launderettes, taxi or vehicle hire businesses, amusement centres, petrol filling stations and night clubs | No permitted change |
| B1: Business | Offices, research and development, light industry appropriate in a residential area |
Permitted change to B8 where no more than 500sq m Permitted change to C3 from B1(a) Offices subject to Council’s prior approval Permitted change for 2 years only to flexible A1/A2/A3/B1 |
| B2: General Industrial | General industry | Permitted change to B1 or B8 where no more than 500sq m |
| B8: Distribution, including Open Air Storage | Warehouse, distribution centres, repositories | Permitted change to B1 where no more than 500sq m |
| B: Sui Generis | Any works registrable under the Alkali, etc Works Regulation Act 1906 | No permitted change |
| C1: Hotels | Hotels, boarding and guest houses | No permitted change |
| C2: Residential Institutions | Residential care homes, hospitals, nursing homes, boarding schools, residential colleges and training centres | No permitted change |
C2A: Secure Residential Institutions |
Secure residential accommodation including a prison, young offenders institution, secure hospital, military barracks | No permitted change |
D1: Non-Residential Institutions | Surgeries, health centres, crèches, nurseries, day centres, art galleries, museums, libraries, halls, churches and non-residential education and training centres | Permitted change for 2 years only to flexible A1/A2/A3/B1 |
D2: Assembly and Leisure | Cinemas, concert halls, bingo and dance halls, swimming baths, skating rinks, gymnasiums or sports arenas (except for motor sports, or where firearms are used) | Permitted change for 2 years only to flexible A1/A2/A3/B1 |
D: Sui Generis | Theatres, nightclubs, casinos | Casino permitted change to D2 |
