Due to the changes of consumer needs, with more and more of us shopping online, the high street has seen an abundance of store closures in recent years. The government have now stepped in, revising the use class order, making repurposing buildings easier and quicker.
The new Class E allows for a mix of uses to reflect changing retail requirements. It will allow a building to be used flexibly by having a number of uses taking place concurrently or by allowing different uses to take place at different times of the day. Changes to another use or mix of uses within this class will not require planning permission.
What does this mean for existing businesses?
If your building currently falls under the classification of A1, A2, A3 or B1, change of use to another use within Class E will be allowed without the need for planning permission.
