A2 Use Class – Financial & Professional Services

A2 Use Class relates to Professional and Financial Services.

A2 Use Class – Financial & Professional Services

A2 Use Class relates to Professional and Financial Services.

Financial services include banks and building societies, but in England, do not include uses with are classed as Sui Generis (including betting offices or payday loan shops) – please click here for more information.

Professional services including estate agents and employment agencies. It should be noted that health and medical services do not fall within an A2 Use Class and would generally be considered as a D1 use – please click here for more information.

A2 Use Class sits within the overall general retail group rather than business uses and therefore could be seen in a similar context of uses that would work within a retail context – imagine estate agencies with a shop front, building societies located on high streets etc. Indeed the 1987 Use Classes Order highlights that it allows “… services which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area, where the services are provided principally to visiting members of the public”.

A2 Use Class – Financial & Professional Services

While professional services sit within the A2 Use Class there are many occasions where the relevant companies could fall under general B1 use. If you consider your use may fall within an A2 Use Class – contact us to discuss how we can help obtain the necessary planning permission from the Local Authority.

With the ongoing changes to the high street and retail properties in recent times, there are many changes happening with traditional shops changing to provide a wider range of services. As such there are opportunities for uses and companies that could fall within an A2 use being able to make use of a retail frontage and vacant retail properties.

Indeed as indicated below, a new Class E use is now in place in England which provides a flexible use.

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A2 Use Class – changes of use

While many changes of use (especially if building works are incorporated) will require planning approval, there are changes that can be done under permitted development (or Prior Approval). NB: Specialist advice and clarification from the LPA should be sought before any works are carried out.

As with any permitted development change of use, the above is intended as a guide only and advice and confirmation should be sought from your Local Planning Authority prior to any changes occurring.

If you are looking to achieve an A2 Use Class please contact the planning experts at Plande today.

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England - A2 Use class

In England, from 1st September 2020, changes were made to the Use Classes Order, All “A” classes are now revoked, with the previous A2 Use, generally incorporated within Class E (Commercial, Business & Service).

Wales & Northern Ireland - A2 Use class

This use class is applicable in Wales and Northern Ireland although the specific allowable inclusions or exclusions, as well as allowable permitted development changes of use, may vary from those stated above.

Scotland - Class 2 Use class

In Scotland, Class 2 relates to financial, professional, and other services. Class 2 use is
for the provision of financial services; professional services; or any other services (including use as a betting office) which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area and where the services are provided principally to visiting members of the public.

Disclaimer: This page provides an introduction only and is not a definitive statement of the law and should therefore not be relied upon. The information above relates to England only. Policies across the rest of the UK may differ. Contact your Local Planning Authority for advice and confirmation before any works are carried out. All images used are for illustrative purposes only. Read the full disclaimer here.

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