Retail Units Classifications - A1, A2, B1...

[freshy]

Hi,

Can someone please tell me what the A1, A2, B1, B2 etc means in terms of retail unit?

Thanks

Freshy

[Piglet]

Looky here http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en...

[TimCrighton]

In short anythinh begining with A refers to a 'retail' use.

A1 is general retail but specifically excludes most food related uses, such as takeaways, restaurants, etc. Some coffee shops can occupy under A1 if they are serving limited hot food.

A2 is for financial and professional services - ie surveyors, estate agents, solicitors, recruitment.

A3. 'Old fashioned' A3 permission allows for use as a takeaway and restaurant, but more recently A3 has been limited to restaurant use only and takeaway has been moved to a seperate A5 classification.

A4. Drinking establishments and bars (not nightclubs)

A5. Takeaways

B uses refer to business uses, such as offices (B1), light industrial (B1c), general industrial (B2).

See www.yournewHQ.com which has a good glossary on it

[freshy]

Thank you very much! Spent too long trawling the net late last night with no results..

Freshy

[Ade355]

TimCrighton said:

A3. 'Old fashioned' A3 permission allows for use as a takeaway and restaurant, but more recently A3 has been limited to restaurant use only and takeaway has been moved to a seperate A5 classification.

B uses refer to business uses, such as offices (B1), light industrial (B1c), general industrial (B2).

See www.yournewHQ.com which has a good glossary on it

These definitions are a starting point, but in my experience a lot does depend on when the planning was granted plus how the area has evolved/ how tolerant the council are/ the plans the council may have etc.

Old-skool A3 planning can specifically exclude or include takeaway . In other words the planning documentation can define 'A3 for cafe use' - in which case you cant just assume that you can run a hotfood takeaway there (unless you gain a certificate of lawfulness after 10 year 'illegal' usage).

The most ambiguous thing I have found is properties which have planning granted 25+ years ago and then the owner's business has just evolved with no application for a certificate of lawfulness and its ambiguous as to whether it would be granted.

Also you need to be aware that you can convert 'for free' between some of the A classes, but not others. For example you can convert from A5 to A3 automatically, but not the reverse.

One of my businesses is in a B1 premises, however I wouldnt be able to get away with what I do there in a highly packed residential area. So your neighbours/area do play a part in the equation.