What is Use Class E in Planning?

What is Use Class E?

Use Class E is a broad category in the UK planning system that was introduced in September 2020. It brings together a wide range of commercial, business, and service uses into one flexible class. Specifically, Class E includes:

• Shops (retail)
• Restaurants and cafes
• Offices and workspaces
• Gyms and indoor sports facilities
• Clinics, health centers, and nurseries
• Other services, such as estate agents, banks and professional services

Use Class E has replaced Use Classes A1, A2, A3, B1, D1, D2 

Why is Use Class E Important in Planning?

1. Flexibility:
Class E allows property owners to switch between different types of business uses without needing to apply for planning permission. For instance, a shop can be converted into a café or a gym into an office, all under the same use class. This flexibility is especially valuable in dynamic urban areas like London and Manchester, where businesses need to adapt quickly to market demands.

2. Simplification:
By consolidating various uses into one class, Class E simplifies the planning process, reducing the bureaucracy involved in changing the use of a property. This can speed up development projects and make it easier for businesses to respond to changing economic conditions.

3. Support for High Streets and Town Centers:
Class E plays a crucial role in revitalizing high streets and town centers by making it easier to repurpose vacant or underused buildings. This adaptability helps keep commercial areas vibrant and responsive to the needs of the community.

In planning terms, Use Class E is significant because it encourages more efficient use of existing properties, supports economic growth, and reduces the regulatory burden on businesses looking to adapt to new opportunities.

Class E is use for the following purposes:

• E(b) Sale of food and drink for consumption (mostly) on the premises
• E(c) Provision of:
  • E(c)(i) Financial services,
  • E(c)(ii) Professional services (other than health or medical services), or
  • E(c)(iii) Other appropriate services in a commercial, business or service locality
• E(d) Indoor sport, recreation or fitness (not involving motorised vehicles or firearms)
• E(e) Provision of medical or health services (except the use of premises attached to the residence of the consultant or practitioner)
• E(f) Creche, day nursery or day centre (not including a residential use)
• E(g) Uses which can be carried out in a residential area without detriment to its amenity:
  • E(g)(i) Offices to carry out any operational or administrative functions,
  • E(g)(ii) Research and development of products or processes
  • E(g)(iii) Industrial processes