Planning Use Classes
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997 (as amended) essentially categorises different types of property and land into classes. Change between uses within the same class does not constitute development and therefore does not require planning permission. The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (as amended) identifies some permitted development rights allowing the change of use from one class to another, subject to conditions and limitations.
This is a summary of all the use classes within Scotland and a guide on how a change of use is achievable without the need for planning permission’.
Our in-house Planning + Development team have created a Use Class Guide document for guidance purposes which can be downloaded below.
Confirmation on Use Classes should be sought from the relevant Local Planning Authority where there is any doubt about this.
For further information on use classes and permitted development rights, please contact our Team via Planning@g-s.co.uk.
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended 2021) places uses of land and buildings into various categories known as 'Use Classes'. As with the Scottish legislation, certain use classes offer permitted development rights to 'change use' from some of the use classes to another. This means that applicants do not need to formally apply for planning permission where there is a 'change permitted'.
There are differences between the Scottish and English legislation though, and this guide clarifies what permitted development rights there are England. The 2021 amendment also extended what changes of use between classes were permissible in England. This document shows what changes of use are now achievable without the need for planning permission in England as a result of the amended legislation.
This guide shows how the use classes in England are categorised and which classes are generally permitted to change use between one another without the need to gain planning permission prior to carrying out development.
Confirmation on Use Classes should be sought from the relevant local authority where there is any doubt about its current or potential uses.
For further information on use classes and permitted development rights, please contact our planning team at planning@g-s.co.uk.
