A3 Use Class Restaurant & Cafes

The A3 Use class incorporates restaurants and cafés.

A3 Use Class Restaurant & Cafes

The A3 Use class incorporates restaurants and cafés (For the sale of food and drink for consumption on the premises – restaurants, snack bars and cafes).

Please also see:

  • A4 Drinking establishments – Public houses, wine bars or other drinking establishments (but not nightclubs) including drinking establishments with expanded food provision.
  • A5 Hot food takeaways – For the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises

While many changes of use involving an A3 use and particularly any physical changes to buildings will require planning approval, there are several permitted development options from A3 use, including to A2 or A1.

Professional advice and clarification from the Council should be undertaken before any works undertaken.

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A3 Use Class - Restaurant & Cafes

CASE STUDIES

The following are a sample of interesting or challenging projects.

England - A3 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 A3 Use, generally incorporated within Class E (Commercial, Business & Service).

Wales - A3 Use class

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

In Wales, the use also generally incorporates, what was in England, separated into A4 (Drinking Establishments) and A5 Uses (Hot Food Takeaway).

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the A3 Use class doesn’t exist. The Planning (Use Classes) Order (Northern Ireland) 1989 excludes the use for the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises or of hot food for consumption off the premises from any class.

Scotland - Class 3 Use

In Scotland, Class 3 relates to food and drink use for the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises.

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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