What is Class A Planning Usage?

Use Class A1, A2, A3, B1, D1, D2 are now rebranded into a new Use Class E.

In September 2020, significant changes to the Planning Use Classes Order in England were introduced, removing the A Class categories for land and building use. The previous Classes A1, A2, and A3 were merged with Business Class B1 and certain health and assembly uses from D1 and D2 to form the new Class E – Commercial, Business, and Service. Meanwhile, A4 and A5 became sui generis, meaning they don't fit into any specific use class. Additionally, some small shops selling essential goods were classified under a new Class F2. Certain uses, like theatres and nightclubs, also became sui generis. Permitted development rights under the old classifications were allowed until July 31, 2021, after which the A classes were fully phased out.

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A1 

Class A1 is use for the following purposes:
*  for the retail sale of goods other than hot food,
*  as a post office,
* for the sale of tickets or as a travel agency,
*  for the sale of sandwiches or other cold food for consumption off the premises,
*  for hairdressing,
*  for the direction of funerals,
*  for the display of goods for sale,
*  for the hiring out of domestic or personal goods or articles,
*  for the reception of goods to be washed, cleaned or repaired,
*  where the sale, display or service is to visiting members of the public.
*  as an internet café; where the primary purpose of the premises is to provide facilities for enabling members of the public to access the internet

A2

Class A2 is use for the provision of:
* financial services, or
* professional services (other than health or medical services), or
* any other services (including use as a betting office) which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area, where the services are provided principally to visiting members of the public.

A3

Class A3 is use for the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises or of hot food for consumption off the premises.

A4

Class A4 is use as a public house, wine-bar or other drinking establishment.

A5

Class A5 is use as the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises. This use is now "Sui Generis" and full planning permission is required.

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