The Government has announced changes to the Use Classes Order in England which will take effect on 1 September 2020.
The amendments to the Use Classes Order creates a new commercial, business and service use class (Class E) which will incorporate the previous shops (A1), financial and professional services (A2), restaurants and cafes (A3) and offices (B1) use class. In addition, uses which fell within classes D1 and D2, and those which are suitable for a town centre, are also included in the new Class E.
The amendment will also create a new Use Class F1 Learning and non-residential institutions which includes those uses within the former D1 Non-residential institutions use class, such as schools, libraries, and art galleries. There will also be a new F2 Use Class – Local community which incorporates those uses from the former D2 use class which provide for group activities of a more physical nature such as swimming pools, skating rinks and areas for outdoor sports as well as shops servicing the essential needs of local communities. The former A4 drinking establishments and A5 hot food take away use classes will be removed, and these uses are now sui generis, together with cinemas, concert, dance and bingo halls.
If you would like to discuss any of the proposed changes and how they may effect or benefit your property please do not hesitate to contact our planning team.
