C1 Use Class – Hotels, boarding and guest houses

C1 Use Class comprises hotels, boarding and guest houses (Bed & Breakfast, Inn, Motels etc) where there is no specific element of care is provided.

C1 Use Class – Hotels, boarding and guest houses

C1 Use Class comprises hotels, boarding and guest houses (Bed & Breakfast, Inn, Motels etc) where there is no specific element of care is provided. Where there is such an element of care this may likely fall under C2 use – please see here for more information. C1 Use Class also excludes hostels which may fall under the C2 or Sui Generis use.

Effectively a C1 Use Class could, therefore, be considered as open to the general public, rather than those for occupiers with special needs.

There are limited permitted development changes of use either to of from a C1 Use Class and as such it is likely that all such changes would require planning permission.

Where a planning application is submitted for a C1 Use Class hotel, particular where there is a change from a previous use, especially a residential dwelling, the planning departments will need to satisfy themselves with regards to the number of guests, noise, a loss of housing, unsociable hours, high-turnover of visitors, reducing the sense of community, servicing and crime.

Please contact the experts if you are looking for a C1 Use Class Hotel.

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C1 Use Class – Hotels, boarding and guest houses
C1-hotels

Changes of use from homes to C1 Use Class – short term lets

In recent years with companies, such as Airbnb and short-term holiday let websites becoming very popular as many people are looking to achieve extra income from the homes by offering their properties for rental, either as a whole or in part (for example spare rooms etc).

In recent years with companies, such as Airbnb and short-term holiday let websites becoming very popular as many people are looking to achieve extra income from the homes by offering their properties for rental, either as a whole or in part (for example spare rooms etc).

This is a relatively new area and like many aspects of planning, the use class system and policies generally may seem a little out of date or slow to respond to such changes. As such expert advice from an RTPI Planning Consultant or confirmation from your Local Authority should be sought prior.

Changes of use from homes to C1 Use Class – short term lets

Each case should be taken on its individual merits to determine whether a material change of use would occur and what Use Class such use would fall under.

In Greater London, the situation may be a little different with a couple of Acts of Parliament providing some clarification, particularly if the short-term sleeping accommodation does not exceed 90 nights per year.

There can be some significant differences between a residential (C3) and commercial (C1 Use Class – hotel) property outside of the planning system, including health and safety, fire, tax and building regulations requirements and as such professional advice should be sought prior as these unintended consequences may have significant and detrimental impacts.

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CASE STUDIES

The following are a sample of interesting or challenging projects.

Wales - C1 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.

Scotland - Class 7 – Hotels and Hostels

This use class is similar in Scotland and relates to the use as a hotel or hostel or as a boarding or guest house

Northern Ireland - Class C2: Guest houses

In Northern Ireland the use class covers the use as a boarding or guest house or as a hostel where, in each case, no significant element of care is provided.

Unlike in other parts of the UK, Hotels do not fall within a specific use class.

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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