Changing a Shop's Use: From Retail to Café, Pub or Takeaway

Planning Permission

When you consider converting your current shop into a café, pub, or takeaway, understanding the planning rules is crucial. Whether you'll need formal planning permission often depends on the specific new purpose you have in mind for your premises.

Changing from One 'Use Class E' Business to Another

Imagine your shop currently falls under 'Use Class E'. This category covers a broad range of commercial, business, and service uses, including shops, offices, and cafés. If you plan to transform your shop into a café, which also belongs to 'Use Class E', you typically won't need to apply for planning permission solely for this change of use. However, remember that any alterations or construction work you undertake might still require separate permission. So, always check before you start building!

Converting to a Pub or Takeaway ('Sui Generis' Uses)

Things are different if you're thinking of opening a public house (pub) or a takeaway establishment. These types of businesses are classified as 'Sui Generis', a Latin term meaning 'in a class of their own'. This designation signifies that they don't fit neatly into standard planning use classes. Therefore, if you're moving from a 'Use Class E' shop to either a pub or a takeaway, you absolutely will need to seek full planning permission. It's important to note that for this specific kind of change, there are currently no 'permitted development rights' available, which would otherwise allow certain changes without a full application.

How the Council Assesses Your Application

Should your plans require planning permission, your local Council will carefully review your proposal. They evaluate applications based on their established planning policies, taking several key factors into account:

• Impact on the Local Shopping Area: They'll consider how your new venture might affect the vibrancy and economic health of the surrounding shopping district.

• Effect on Neighbours: The Council will look at potential disturbances for nearby residents or businesses, such as increased noise levels or strong odours.

• Traffic and Parking: They'll also examine any implications for local traffic flow and the availability of parking spaces.

Other Approvals You Might Need

Beyond planning permission, you might find yourself needing several other official consents or licences to get your new business up and running:

• Extractor Flues for Cooking: If your café or takeaway will involve cooking on the premises, you'll need specific permission for any commercial extractor flues you install.

• Outdoor Seating: Planning to put tables and chairs on public pavements or grass verges (known as 'the highway')? You will almost certainly need a licence from the local highway authority. They will check things like how people walk by, visibility for drivers, and overall road safety before granting approval.

• New Signage: If you're changing or adding new signs to your shopfront, you often need to apply for 'Advertisement Consent'. This is a separate approval for advertising displays.

• Landlord or Landowner Consent: Don't forget that you'll also typically need the explicit approval of your landlord or the landowner for any modifications or changes in use to the property.

Building Regulations

Even if the alterations you're planning seem minor, Building Regulations might still apply to your change of use. These regulations ensure that your building work meets essential health, safety, and accessibility standards. It's always a good idea to speak directly with your local Building Control body. They can offer tailored advice for your specific project, even for work that doesn't immediately strike you as 'construction'.