Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Planning · Use classes
Use classes explained
Class Ecommercial
B2 / B8industry & storage
F1 / F2community
Sui generispubs, takeaways
In short: Use classes group types of use for planning purposes. Since 2020, Class E covers most commercial, business and service uses, including shops, cafés, restaurants, offices, gyms, clinics and nurseries, so moving between them usually doesn't need planning permission. Industrial uses sit in B2 and storage and distribution in B8. Pubs, hot food takeaways, cinemas and some other uses are "sui generis", needing specific permission. Conditions or Article 4 directions can restrict changes. Fraser Bond helps owners and occupiers match property to the right use.
| Class | Examples |
|---|---|
| E | Shops, cafés, restaurants, offices, gyms, clinics, nurseries |
| B2 | General industrial |
| B8 | Storage and distribution |
| C3 | Dwelling houses |
| C4 | Small HMOs (3–6 people) |
| F1 / F2 | Schools, galleries, community halls |
| Sui generis | Pubs, takeaways, large HMOs, cinemas |
Common use classes in England
Frequently asked questions
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Can I change a shop to an office?
Usually yes, both are Class E, unless conditions apply.
Is a takeaway in Class E?
No, hot food takeaways are sui generis.
Can Fraser Bond help?
Yes, with finding and letting the right premises.
Need the right premises?
Talk to our team or get a free valuation.
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