The government has produced some dramatic changes to the planning system which may affect you or one of your contacts. The changes are intended to ease the blockage caused by the need for a change of use and to help the economy. This may have unforeseen consequences – we shall have to wait and see.
The changes took effect on 1 September, without much fanfare for something so huge. They enable business premises to adapt more easily to other uses. The highlights for business owners and operators are these:
Class E: (Commercial, business and services) brings together:
- shops (A1),
- financial and professional services (A2),
- restaurants and cafes (A3) and
- offices (B1).
In addition, and of great significance, Class E includes such uses as:
- gyms
- nurseries
- and health centres (D1 and D2).
Previously, businesses such as a physio, dentist, chiropractor/osteopath, gym/fitness centre, would have all needed a change of use.
Other uses like B8, storage and distribution, B2, heavy industry and the C classes, residential, are unchanged.
So, you can see it is a real mix up of uses that were previously separate and this will change the look of town centres gradually but spectacularly.
I work closely with Bell Cornwell Planning consultants who have produced a very clear and succinct briefing note. Click here to go to the page.
The change of use previously presented an obstacle to moving premises but this change in legislation widens options for your business if you are thinking of a move.
I would love to talk through the commercial property implications and effects for your business – as far as we can know them – and I would be happy to refer you to Rebekah Jubb at Bell Cornwell to answer your specific planning questions.
