Table of changes via Use Class

The GPDO allows for various changes from one use class to another.

Use the table below to see where one use class can be converted to another use class. Where we have articles on the different classes within the GPDO, you will find the links below.

The table below of permanent changes in Schedule Part 3  and simplifies the complex legislation, it should be read as a guide only, and in conjunction with the additional comments and restrictions below. Where we have articles on this Planning Geek website we have added direct links. P3/Class… refers to the various sections within the GPDO – see this page for all those sections. In addition to the permanent permissions below, there are a number of temporary changes in Schedule 2 Part 4 these are covered here.

You can use our table of GPGO changes to quickly see where the various changes are allowed and where they are not.

For temporary changes of use – see this section.

Other restrictions to changes via Use Class

The table provides a summary for the most common changes of use that apply in most circumstances, but there may also be further restrictions that do not allow you to implement the change of use. For example, if the property is within a Conservation Area, National Park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or if the building is a Listed Building or Scheduled Monument, within a site of special scientific interest, safety hazard area, or military explosives area.

Local planning authorities can also remove permitted development rights in certain areas, meaning that you will require planning permission, so you should always check with your local council before you consider undertaking any works.

Some changes of use are also permitted, either only on a temporary basis, and/or subject to additional restrictions.

Prior approval 

Some changes of use are subject to a prior approval procedure with the local planning authority. This seeks approval of various matters, dependent on the nature of the use, but might typically include matters relating to parking and highways, flooding, and contaminated land. In the case of A3 uses, prior approval is required in respect of matters relating to noise, odour, waste collection, impact of the hours of opening, transport and highways impact, impact on existing shopping provision, the design of any external changes and a statement specifying the net increase in dwellinghouses proposed by the development.

All prior approval applications require a fee to be paid to the local planning authority. Currently £96 or £206. See fees.

Mixed use 

Where a development comprises a “mixed use” in the retail uses classes and betting office / pay day loans shop category with one or two flats above, then there are also some permitted development rights for changes of use of that mixed use, similar to the presiding use identified in the table above. See Class M rights.

Where a property is in two use classes – then it will be classed as sui generis. The one exception is a building with E & B2 use as long as the section allocated to B2 is not substantially increased.

Agricultural buildings 

Agricultural buildings are permitted to change to C3 use (dwellinghouses), together with some building operations necessary to facilitate the conversion. This is subject to meeting certain criteria, allows a maximum of 5 units to be created (including any previously created under Class Q). No dwellings may be created larger than 465 sqm at all. Dwellings between 100-465 sqm are deemed “larger dwellinghouses” and you can create no more than 3 of these on each agricultural unit and the cumulative floorspace changing to such larger dwellings cannot exceed 465 sqm. Smaller dwellings under 100 sqm are only restricted by the upper limit of 5 units. See full article.

It is also subject to Prior Approval being sought in respect of transport and highways impacts, noise impact, contamination risks, flooding risks, whether the building is suitable for a residential use, and the design or external appearance of the building.

Agricultural buildings under 1,000m2 are permitted to change to a flexible commercial use, comprising E, B8, C1 or D2 uses. This is subject to meeting certain criteria, and Prior Approval being sought in relation to uses over 150m2 in respect of transport and highways impacts, noise impact, contamination risks and flooding risks. See full article.

Agricultural buildings within land under 500m2 are permitted to change to a state funded school or a registered nursery. This is subject to meeting certain criteria, and Prior Approval being sought in respect of transport and highways impacts, noise impact, contamination risks, flooding risks and whether the building is suitable for the proposed use.

State funded schools

Buildings and land within C1, C2, C2A and E  uses are permitted to change to a state funded school. This is subject to meeting certain criteria, and Prior Approval being sought in respect of transport and highways impacts, noise impact, and contamination risks.

Changes of use requiring a planning application

Other than for the permitted changes via use class listed above, and changes where both uses fall within the same ‘use class’, planning permission, is generally required for a material change of use.

Most external building work associated with a change of use is also likely to require planning permission, although the The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 does also allow some minor external changes.

Further Assistance

If you need any further assistance for changes via use class, please reach out to us. Planning Geek is able to submit applications for you.

Page updated: 4th June 2024