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The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015

Type Statutory-Instrument

Publication 2015-03-18

Last updated 2026-04-09

State In force

Department King's Printer of Acts of Parliament

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PART 5 — Caravan sites and recreational campsites

Class A – use of land as caravan site

Permitted development

A

The use of land, other than a building, as a caravan site in the circumstances referred to in paragraph A.2.

Condition

A

Development is permitted by Class A subject to the condition that the use is discontinued when the circumstances specified in paragraph A.2 cease to exist, and all caravans on the site are removed as soon as reasonably practicable.

Interpretation of Class A

A

The circumstances mentioned in Class A are those specified in paragraphs 2 to 10 of Schedule 1 to the 1960 Act (cases where a caravan site licence is not required), but in relation to those mentioned in paragraph 10 do not include use for winter quarters.

Class B – development on caravan site required by conditions

Permitted development

B

Development required by the conditions of a site licence for the time being in force under the 1960 Act.

Class C – use of land by members of certain recreational organisations

Permitted development

C

The use of land by members of a recreational organisation for the purposes of recreation or instruction, and the erection or placing of tents on the land for the purposes of the use.

Development not permitted

C

Development is not permitted by Class C if the land is a building or is within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse.

Interpretation of Class C

C

For the purposes of Class C, “recreational organisation” means an organisation holding a certificate of exemption under section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936 (power of local authority to control use of moveable dwellings) .

PART 6 — Agricultural and forestry

Class A – agricultural development on units of 5 hectares or more

Permitted development

A

The carrying out on agricultural land comprised in an agricultural unit of 5 hectares or more in area of—

(a) works for the erection, extension or alteration of a building; or

(b) any excavation or engineering operations,

Development not permitted

A

Development is not permitted by Class A if—

(a) the development would be carried out on a separate parcel of land forming part of the unit which is less than 1 hectare in area;

(b) it would consist of the erection or extension of any agricultural building on an established agricultural unit (as defined in paragraph X of Part 3 of this Schedule) where development under Class Q or S of Part 3 (changes of use) of this Schedule has been carried out within a period of 10 years ending with the date on which development under Class A(a) begins;

(d) it would involve the provision of a building, structure or works not designed for agricultural purposes;

(e) the ground area which would be covered by—

(i) any works or structure (other than a fence) for accommodating livestock or any plant or machinery arising from engineering operations would exceed 1,000 square metres; or

(ii) any building erected or extended or altered by virtue of Class A would exceed 1,500 square metres,

... calculated as described in paragraph D.1(2)(a) of this Part;

(f) the height of any part of any building, structure or works within 3 kilometres of the perimeter of an aerodrome would exceed 3 metres;

(g) the height of any part of any building, structure or works not within 3 kilometres of the perimeter of an aerodrome would exceed 12 metres;

(h) any part of the development would be within 25 metres of a metalled part of a trunk road or classified road;

(i) it would consist of, or include, the erection or construction of, or the carrying out of any works to, a building, structure or an excavation used or to be used for the accommodation of livestock or for the storage of slurry or sewage sludge where the building, structure or excavation is, or would be, within 400 metres of the curtilage of a protected building;

(j) it would involve excavations or engineering operations on or over article 2(4) land which are connected with fish farming; ...

(k) any building for storing fuel for or waste from a biomass boiler or an anaerobic digestion system—

(i) would be used for storing waste not produced by that boiler or system or for storing fuel not produced on land within the unit; or

(ii) is or would be within 400 metres of the curtilage of a protected building ; or

(l) the erection or extension of a building would be carried out on land or a building that is, or is within the curtilage of, a scheduled monument.

Conditions

A

(1) Development is permitted by Class A subject to the following conditions—

(a) where development is carried out within 400 metres of the curtilage of a protected building, any building, structure, excavation or works resulting from the development are not used for the accommodation of livestock except in the circumstances described in paragraph D.1(3) of this Part or for the storage of slurry or sewage sludge, for housing a biomass boiler or an anaerobic digestion system, for storage of fuel or waste from that boiler or system, or for housing a hydro-turbine;

(b) where the development involves—

(i) the extraction of any mineral from the land (including removal from any disused railway embankment); or

(ii) the removal of any mineral from a mineral-working deposit,

the mineral is not moved off the unit;

(c) waste materials are not brought on to the land from elsewhere for deposit except for use in works described in Class A(a) or in the provision of a hard surface and any materials so brought are incorporated forthwith into the building or works in question.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), development consisting of—

(a) the erection, extension or alteration of a building;

(b) the formation or alteration of a private way;

(c) the carrying out of excavations or the deposit of waste material (where the relevant area, as defined in paragraph D.1(4) of this Part, exceeds 0.5 hectares); or

(d) the placing or assembly of a tank in any waters,

is permitted by Class A subject to the following conditions—

(i) the developer must, before beginning the development, apply to the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the siting, design and external appearance of the building, the siting and means of construction of the private way, the siting of the excavation or deposit or the siting and appearance of the tank, as the case may be;

(ii) the application must be accompanied by a written description of the proposed development and of the materials to be used and a plan indicating the site together with any fee required to be paid;

(iii) the development must not begin before the occurrence of one of the following—

(aa) the receipt by the applicant from the local planning authority of a written notice of their determination that such prior approval is not required;

(bb) where the local planning authority give the applicant notice within 28 days following the date of receiving the applicant's application of their determination that such prior approval is required, the giving of such approval; or

(cc) the expiry of 28 days following the date on which the application under sub-paragraph (2)(ii) was received by the local planning authority without the local planning authority making any determination as to whether such approval is required or notifying the applicant of their determination;

(iv) where the local planning authority give the applicant notice that such prior approval is required, the applicant must—

(aa) display a site notice by site display on or near the land on which the proposed development is to be carried out, leaving the notice in position for not less than 21 days in the period of 28 days from the date on which the local planning authority gave the notice to the applicant; and

(bb) where the site notice is, without any fault or intention of the applicant, removed, obscured or defaced before the period of 21 days referred to in sub-paragraph (iv)(aa) has elapsed, the applicant is treated as having complied with the requirements of that sub-paragraph if the applicant has taken reasonable steps for protection of the notice and, if need be, its replacement;

(v) the development must, except to the extent that the local planning authority otherwise agree in writing, be carried out—

(aa) where prior approval is required, in accordance with the details approved;

(bb) where prior approval is not required, in accordance with the details submitted with the application; and

(vi) the development must be carried out—

(aa) where approval has been given by the local planning authority, within a period of 5 years from the date on which approval was given;

(bb) in any other case, within a period of 5 years from the date on which the local planning authority were given the information referred to in paragraph (d)(ii).

(3) The conditions in sub-paragraph (2) do not apply to the extension or alteration of a building if the building is not on article 2(4) land except in the case of a significant extension or a significant alteration.

(4) Development consisting of the significant extension or the significant alteration of a building may only be carried out once by virtue of Class A(a).

(5) Where development consists of works for the erection, significant extension or significant alteration of a building and—

(a) the use of the building or extension for the purposes of agriculture within the unit permanently ceases within 10 years from the date on which the development was substantially completed; and

(b) planning permission has not been granted on an application, or has not been deemed to be granted under Part 3 of the Act, for development for purposes other than agriculture, within 3 years from the date on which the use of the building or extension for the purposes of agriculture within the unit permanently ceased,

then, unless the local planning authority have otherwise agreed in writing, the building or, in the case of development consisting of an extension, the extension, must be removed from the land and the land must, so far as is practicable, be restored to its condition before the development took place, or to such condition as may have been agreed in writing between the local planning authority and the developer.

(6) Where an appeal has been made, under the Act, in relation to an application for development described in sub-paragraph (5)(b), within the period described in that paragraph, that period is extended until the appeal is finally determined or withdrawn.

(7) Where development is permitted by Class A(a), within 7 days of the date on which the development is substantially completed, the developer must notify the local planning authority in writing of that fact.

Class B – agricultural development on units of less than 5 hectares

Permitted development

B

The carrying out on agricultural land comprised in an agricultural unit, of not less than 0.4 but less than 5 hectares in area, of development consisting of—

(a) the extension or alteration of an agricultural building;

(b) the installation of additional or replacement plant or machinery;

(d) the provision, rearrangement or replacement of a private way;

(e) the provision of a hard surface;

(f) the deposit of waste; or

(g) the carrying out of any of the following operations in connection with fish farming, namely, repairing ponds and raceways; the installation of grading machinery, aeration equipment or flow meters and any associated channel; the dredging of ponds; and the replacement of tanks and nets,

Development not permitted

B

Development is not permitted by Class B if—

(a) the development would be carried out on a separate parcel of land forming part of the unit which is less than 0.4 hectares in area;

(b) the external appearance of the premises would be materially affected;

(d) it would consist of, or involve, the carrying out of any works to a building or structure used or to be used for the accommodation of livestock or the storage of slurry or sewage sludge where the building or structure is within 400 metres of the curtilage of a protected building;

(e) it would relate to fish farming and would involve the placing or assembly of a tank on land or in any waters or the construction of a pond in which fish may be kept or an increase (otherwise than by the removal of silt) in the size of any tank or pond in which fish may be kept; ...

(f) any building for storing fuel for or waste from a biomass boiler or an anaerobic digestion system would be used for storing waste not produced by that boiler or system or for storing fuel not produced on land within the unit ; or

(g) the extension of a building would be carried out on land or a building that is, or is within the curtilage of, a scheduled monument.

B

Development is not permitted by Class B(a) if—

(a) the height of any building would be increased;

(b) the cubic content of the original building would be increased by more than 25%;

(d) it would consist of the extension or provision of any agricultural building on an established agricultural unit (as defined in paragraph X of Part 3 (changes of use) of this Schedule) where development under Class Q or S of Part 3 (changes of use) of this Schedule has been carried out within a period of 10 years ending with the date on which development under Class B(a) begins;

(e) the development would involve the extension, alteration or provision of a dwelling;

(f) any part of the development would be carried out within 5 metres of any boundary of the unit; or

(g) the ground area of any building extended by virtue of Class B(a) would exceed 1,250 square metres .

B

Development is not permitted by Class B(b) if—

(a) the height of any additional plant or machinery within 3 kilometres of the perimeter of an aerodrome would exceed 3 metres;

(b) the height of any additional plant or machinery not within 3 kilometres of the perimeter of an aerodrome would exceed 12 metres;

(d) the area to be covered by the development would exceed 1,000 square metres calculated as described in paragraph D.1(2)(a) of this Part.

B

Development is not permitted by Class B(e) if the area to be covered by the development would exceed 1,000 square metres calculated as described in paragraph D.1(2)(a) of this Part.

Conditions

B

(1) Development permitted by Class B and carried out within 400 metres of the curtilage of a protected building is subject to the condition that any building which is extended or altered, or any works resulting from the development, is not used for the accommodation of livestock except in the circumstances described in paragraph D.1(3) of this Part or for the storage of slurry or sewage sludge, for housing a biomass boiler or an anaerobic digestion system, for storage of fuel or waste from that boiler or system, or for housing a hydro-turbine.

(2) Development consisting of the extension or alteration of a building situated on article 2(4) land or the provision, rearrangement or replacement of a private way on such land is permitted subject to—

(a) the condition that the developer must, before beginning the development, apply to the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the siting, design and external appearance of the building as extended or altered or the siting and means of construction of the private way; and

(b) the conditions set out in paragraphs A.2(2)(ii) to (vi) of this Part.

(3) Development is permitted by Class B(f) subject to the following conditions—

(a) that waste materials are not brought on to the land from elsewhere for deposit unless they are for use in works described in Class B(a), (d) or (e) and are incorporated forthwith into the building or works in question; and

(b) that the height of the surface of the land will not be materially increased by the deposit.

(4) Development is permitted by Class B(a) subject to the following conditions—

(a) where development consists of works for the significant extension or significant alteration of a building and—

(i) the use of the building or extension for the purposes of agriculture within the unit permanently ceases within 10 years from the date on which the development was substantially completed; and

(ii) planning permission has not been granted on an application, or has not been deemed to be granted under Part 3 of the Act, for development for purposes other than agriculture, within 3 years from the date on which the use of the building or extension for the purposes of agriculture within the unit permanently ceased,

then, unless the local planning authority have otherwise agreed in writing, the extension, in the case of development consisting of an extension, must be removed from the land and the land must, so far as is practicable, be restored to its condition before the development took place, or to such condition as may have been agreed in writing between the local planning authority and the developer;

(b) where an appeal has been made, under the Act, in relation to an application for development described in paragraph (a)(ii), within the period described in that paragraph, that period is extended until the appeal is finally determined or withdrawn.

(5) Where development is permitted by Class B(a), within 7 days of the date on which the development is substantially completed, the developer must notify the local planning authority in writing of that fact.

Class C – mineral working for agricultural purposes

Permitted development

C

The winning and working on land held or occupied with land used for the purposes of agriculture of any minerals reasonably necessary for agricultural purposes within the agricultural unit of which it forms part.

Development not permitted

C

Development is not permitted by Class C if any excavation would be made within 25 metres of a metalled part of a trunk road or classified road.

Condition

C

Development is permitted by Class C subject to the condition that no mineral extracted during the course of the operation is moved to any place outside the land from which it was extracted, except to land which is held or occupied with that land and is used for the purposes of agriculture.

Interpretation of Classes A to C

D

(1) For the purposes of Classes A, B and C—

“agricultural land” means land which, before development permitted by this Part is carried out, is land in use for agriculture and which is so used for the purposes of a trade or business, and excludes any dwellinghouse or garden;

“agricultural unit” means agricultural land which is occupied as a unit for the purposes of agriculture, including—any dwelling or other building on that land occupied for the purpose of farming the land by the person who occupies the unit, orany dwelling on that land occupied by a farmworker;

“building” does not include anything resulting from engineering operations;

“fish farming” means the breeding, rearing or keeping of fish or shellfish (which includes any kind of crustacean and mollusc);

“livestock” includes fish or shellfish which are farmed;

“protected building” means any permanent building which is normally occupied by people or would be so occupied, if it were in use for purposes for which it is designed; but does not include—a building within the agricultural unit; ora dwelling or other building on another agricultural unit which is used for or in connection with agriculture;

“significant extension” or “significant alteration” means any extension or alteration, as the case may be, of the building where the cubic content of the original building would be exceeded by more than 10% or the height of the building as extended or altered would exceed the height of the original building;

“site notice” means a notice containing—the name of the applicant,the address or location of the proposed development,a description of the proposed development and of the materials to be used,a statement that the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the siting, design and external appearance of the building or, as the case may be, the siting and means of construction of the private way,the name and address of the local planning authority,and which is signed and dated by or on behalf of the applicant;

“slurry” means animal faeces and urine (whether or not water has been added for handling); and

“tank” includes any cage and any other structure for use in fish farming.

(2) For the purposes of Classes A, B and C—

(a) an area “calculated as described in paragraph D.1(2)(a)” comprises the ground area which would be covered by the proposed development, together with the ground area of any building (other than a dwelling), or any structure, works, plant, machinery, ponds or tanks within the same unit which are being provided or have been provided within the preceding 2 years and any part of which would be within 90 metres of the proposed development;

(b) a reference to 400 metres in paragraphs A.1(i) and (k), A.2(1)(a), B.1(d) and B.5(1) of this Part is a reference to distance measured along the ground.

(3) The circumstances referred to in paragraphs A.2(1)(a) and B.5(1) of this Part are—

(a) that no other suitable building or structure, 400 metres or more from the curtilage of a protected building, is available to accommodate the livestock; and

(i) that the need to accommodate the livestock arises from quarantine requirements, or an emergency due to another building or structure in which the livestock could otherwise be accommodated being unavailable because it has been damaged or destroyed by fire, flood or storm; or

(ii) in the case of animals normally kept out of doors, they require temporary accommodation in a building or other structure because they are sick or giving birth or newly born, or to provide shelter against extreme weather conditions.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph A.2(2)(c) of this Part, the relevant area is the area of the proposed excavation or the area on which it is proposed to deposit waste together with the aggregate of the areas of all other excavations within the unit which have not been filled and of all other parts of the unit on or under which waste has been deposited and has not been removed.

(5) For the purposes of Class B—

(a) the erection of any additional building within the curtilage of another building is to be treated as the extension of that building and the additional building is not to be treated as an original building;

(b) where 2 or more original buildings are within the same curtilage and are used for the same undertaking they are to be treated as a single original building in making any measurement in connection with the extension or alteration of either of them.

(6) In Class C, “the purposes of agriculture” includes fertilising land used for the purposes of agriculture and the maintenance, improvement or alteration of any buildings, structures or works occupied or used for such purposes on land so used.

(7) In Class A(a), “reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture” includes, in relation to the erection, extension or alteration of a building, for housing a biomass boiler or an anaerobic digestion system; for storage of fuel for or waste from that boiler or system; or for housing a hydro-turbine.

(8) In Class B(a), “reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture” includes, in relation to the extension or alteration of an agricultural building, for housing a biomass boiler or an anaerobic digestion system; for storage of fuel for or waste from that boiler or system; or for housing a hydro-turbine.

Class E – forestry developments

Permitted development

E

The carrying out on land used for the purposes of forestry, including afforestation, of development reasonably necessary for those purposes consisting of—

(a) works for the erection, extension or alteration of a building;

(b) the formation, alteration or maintenance of private ways;

(c) operations on that land, or on land held or occupied with that land, to obtain the materials required for the formation, alteration or maintenance of such ways;

(d) other operations (not including engineering or mining operations).

Development not permitted

E

Development is not permitted by Class E if—

(a) it would consist of or include the provision or alteration of a dwelling;

(b) the height of any building or works within 3 kilometres of the perimeter of an aerodrome would exceed 3 metres in height;

(d) any building for storing fuel for, or waste from, a biomass boiler or an anaerobic digestion system would be used for storing waste not produced by that boiler or system or for storing fuel not produced on land which is occupied together with that building for the purposes of forestry.

Conditions

E

(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), development consisting of the erection of a building or the extension or alteration of a building or the formation or alteration of a private way is permitted by Class E subject to the following conditions—

(a) the developer must, before beginning the development, apply to the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the siting, design and external appearance of the building or, as the case may be, the siting and means of construction of the private way;

(b) the application must be accompanied by a written description of the proposed development, the materials to be used and a plan indicating the site together with any fee required to be paid;

(i) the receipt by the applicant from the local planning authority of a written notice of their determination that such prior approval is not required;

(ii) where the local planning authority give the applicant notice within 28 days following the date of receiving the applicant's application of their determination that such prior approval is required, the giving of such approval;

(iii) the expiry of 28 days following the date on which the application under sub-paragraph (1)(b) was received by the local planning authority without the local planning authority making any determination as to whether such approval is required or notifying the applicant of their determination;

(d) where the local planning authority give the applicant notice that such prior approval is required, the applicant must—

(i) display a site notice by site display on or near the land on which the proposed development is to be carried out, leaving the notice in position for not less than 21 days in the period of 28 days from the date on which the local planning authority gave the notice to the applicant;

(ii) where the site notice is, without any fault or intention of the applicant, removed, obscured or defaced before the period of 21 days referred to in paragraph (d)(i) has elapsed, the applicant is treated as having complied with the requirements of that sub-paragraph if the applicant has taken reasonable steps for protection of the notice and, if need be, its replacement;

(e) the development must, except to the extent that the local planning authority otherwise agree in writing, be carried out—

(i) where prior approval is required, in accordance with the details approved;

(ii) where prior approval is not required, in accordance with the details submitted with the application; and

(f) the development must be carried out—

(i) where approval has been given by the local planning authority, within a period of 5 years from the date on which approval was given,

(ii) in any other case, within a period of 5 years from the date on which the local planning authority were given the information referred to in paragraph (b).

(2) In the case of development consisting of the significant extension or the significant alteration of the building such development may be carried out only once.

(3) Sub-paragraph (1) does not preclude the extension or alteration of a building if the building is not on article 2(4) land except in the case of a significant extension or a significant alteration.

Interpretation of Class E

E

(1) For the purposes of Class E—

“significant extension” or “significant alteration” means any extension or alteration, as the case may be, of the building where the cubic content of the original building would be exceeded by more than 10% or the height of the building as extended or altered would exceed the height of the original building; and

“site notice” means a notice containing—the name of the applicant,the address or location of the proposed development,a description of the proposed development and of the materials to be used,a statement that the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the siting, design and external appearance of the building or, as the case may be, the siting and means of construction of the private way,the name and address of the local planning authority,and which is signed and dated by or on behalf of the applicant.

(2) For the purposes of Class E, development that is reasonably necessary for the purposes of forestry includes works for the erection, extension or alteration of a building for housing a biomass boiler or an anaerobic digestion system; for storage of fuel for or waste from that boiler or system; or for housing a hydro-turbine.

PART 7 — Non-domestic extensions, alterations etc

Class A – extensions etc of commercial, business or service premises

Permitted development

A

The extension or alteration of a commercial, business or service establishment.

Development not permitted

A

Development is not permitted by Class A if—

(a) the gross floor space of the original building would be exceeded by more than—

(i) in respect of an original building or a development on—

(aa) article 2(3) land, or

(bb) a site of special scientific interest,

25% or 50 square metres (whichever is the lesser);

(ii) in any other case, 50% or 100 square metres (whichever is the lesser);

(b) the height of the building as extended would exceed 4 metres;

(i) is on land which—

(aa) adjoins other premises which are used for a purpose falling within any of the classes in Part C (residential premises or institutions) of Schedule 1 to the Use Classes Order,

(bb) is article 2(3) land, or

(cc) is a site of special scientific interest, and

(ii) is within 2 metres of any boundary of the curtilage of the premises;

(d) the development would be within the curtilage of a listed building;

(e) any alteration would be on article 2(3) land;

(f) the development would consist of or include the construction or provision of a verandah, balcony or raised platform;

(g) any part of the development would extend beyond the front of any existing building ;

(h) the development would involve the insertion or creation of a new shop front or the alteration or replacement of an existing shop front; or

(i) the development would involve the installation or replacement of a security grill or shutter on a shop front.

Conditions

A

Development is permitted by Class A subject to the following conditions—

(a) any alteration is at ground floor level only;

(b) any extension is, in the case of article 2(3) land, constructed using materials which have a similar external appearance to those used for the building being extended; and

(c) any extension or alteration is only to be used as part of, or for a purpose incidental to, the use of the commercial, business or service establishment.

Interpretation of Class A

A

For the purposes of Class A—

“raised platform” means a platform with a height greater than 0.3 metres, and

“commercial, business or service premises” means a building, or part of a building, used for any purpose within Class E (commercial, business and service) of Schedule 2 to the Use Classes Order and includes buildings with other uses in other parts as long as the other uses are not within the parts being altered or extended;

Class B – construction of shop trolley stores

Permitted development

B

The erection or construction of a trolley store within the curtilage of a shop.

Development not permitted

B

Development is not permitted by Class B if—

(a) the gross floor space of the building or enclosure erected would exceed 20 square metres;

(b) any part of the building or enclosure erected would be—

(i) within 20 metres of any boundary of the curtilage of; or

(ii) above or below,

any building used for any purpose within Part C (residential premises or institutions) of the Schedule to the Use Classes Order or as a hostel;

(d) the development would be within the curtilage of a listed building; or

(e) the development would be between a shop front and a highway where the distance between the shop front and the boundary of the curtilage of the premises is less than 5 metres.

Condition

B

Development is permitted by Class B subject to the condition that the building or enclosure is only used for the storage of shopping trolleys.

Interpretation of Class B

B

For the purposes of Class B—

“shop” means a building used for any purpose within Class E(a) (display or retail sale of goods other than hot food) of Schedule 2 to the Use Classes Order; and

“trolley store” means a building or enclosure designed to be used for the storage of shopping trolleys.

Class C – click and collect facilities

Permitted development

C

Development consisting of the erection or construction of a collection facility within the curtilage of a shop.

Development not permitted

C

Development is not permitted by Class C if—

(a) the development would result in more than 1 collection facility within the curtilage of a shop;

(b) the gross floor space of the building or structure would exceed 20 square metres;

(d) any part of the development would be within 2 metres of any boundary of the curtilage;

(e) any part of the development would be between a shop front and a highway where the distance between the shop front and the boundary of the curtilage of the premises is less than 5 metres; or

(f) any part of the development would be—

(i) on article 2(3) land;

(ii) in a site of special scientific interest; or

(iii) within the curtilage of a listed building or a scheduled monument.

Conditions

C

(1) Development is permitted by Class C subject to the condition that the developer must, before beginning the development, apply to the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the siting, design and external appearance of the development and the following sub-paragraphs apply in relation to that application.

(2) The application must be accompanied by—

(a) a written description of the proposed development, which must include details of any building operations proposed;

(b) a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development;

(d) the developer's email address if the developer is content to receive communications electronically,

together with any fee required to be paid.

(3) The local planning authority may refuse an application where, in the opinion of the authority—

(a) the proposed development does not comply with, or

(b) the developer has provided insufficient information to enable the authority to establish whether the proposed development complies with,

any conditions, limitations or restrictions specified in Class C as being applicable to the development in question.

(4) Sub-paragraphs (5) and (7) do not apply where a local planning authority refuses an application under sub-paragraph (3) and for the purposes of section 78 (appeals) of the Act such a refusal is to be treated as a refusal of an application for approval.

(5) The local planning authority must give notice of the proposed development—

(a) by site display in at least one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less than 21 days of a notice which—

(i) describes the proposed development;

(ii) provides the address of the proposed development;

(iii) specifies the date by which representations are to be received by the local planning authority; or

(b) by serving a notice in that form on any adjoining owner or occupier.

(6) The local planning authority may require the developer to submit such information as the authority may reasonably require in order to determine the application.

(7) The local planning authority must, when determining an application—

(a) take into account any representations made to them as a result of any notice given under sub-paragraph (5);

(b) have regard to the National Planning Policy Framework ..., so far as relevant to the subject matter of the prior approval, as if the application were a planning application.

(8) The development must not begin before the occurrence of one of the following—

(a) the receipt by the applicant from the local planning authority of a written notice of their determination that such prior approval is not required;

(b) the receipt by the applicant from the local planning authority of a written notice giving their prior approval; or

(c) the expiry of 56 days following the date on which the application under sub-paragraph (2) was received by the local planning authority without the authority notifying the applicant as to whether prior approval is given or refused.

(9) The development must be carried out—

(a) where prior approval is required, in accordance with the details approved by the local planning authority;

(b) where prior approval is not required, or where sub-paragraph (8)(c) applies, in accordance with the details provided in the application referred to in sub-paragraph (2),

unless the local planning authority and the developer agree otherwise in writing.

(10) The local planning authority may grant prior approval unconditionally or subject to conditions reasonably related to the subject matter of the prior approval.

(11) When computing the number of days in sub-paragraph (5)(a), any day which is a public holiday must be disregarded.

Interpretation of Class C

C

For the purposes of Class C—

“collection facility” means a building or structure designed to be used by visiting members of the public for the collection of any goods and for the storage of goods awaiting such collection; and

“shop” means a building used for any purpose within Class E(a) (display or retail sale of goods other than hot food) of Schedule 2 to the Use Classes Order.

Class D – modification of shop loading bays

Permitted development

D

Development consisting of modification of a loading bay of a shop.

Development not permitted

D

Development is not permitted by Class D if—

(a) the size of the original loading bay, when measured in any dimension, would be increased by more than 20%; or

(b) any part of the development would be—

(i) on article 2(3) land;

(ii) in a site of special scientific interest; or

(iii) within the curtilage of a listed building or a scheduled monument.

Conditions

D

Development is permitted by Class D subject to the condition that the materials used must be of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior of the shop.

Interpretation of Class D

D

For the purposes of Class D—

“goods vehicle” has the meaning given in section 192 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 ;

“loading bay” means any facility, including vehicle ramps, for the loading or unloading of goods vehicles; and

“shop” means a building used for any purpose within Class E(a) (display or retail sale of goods other than hot food) of Schedule 2 to the Use Classes Order.

Class E – hard surfaces for commercial, business or service etc premises

Permitted development

E

Development consisting of—

(a) the provision of a hard surface within the curtilage of a building used for a purpose falling within one of the following provisions of the Use Classes Order—

(i) article 3(6)(p) (drinking establishments etc);

(ii) article 3(6)(q) (drinking establishment with expanded food provision);

(iii) article 3(6)(r) (hot food takeaway); or

(iv) Class E (commercial, business and service) of Schedule 2; or

(b) the replacement in whole or in part of such a surface.

Development not permitted

E

Development is not permitted by Class E if—

(a) the cumulative area of ground covered by a hard surface within the curtilage of the premises (other than hard surfaces already existing on 6th April 2010) would exceed 50 square metres; or

(b) the development would be within the curtilage of a listed building.

Conditions

E

Development is permitted by Class E subject to the following conditions—

(a) where there is a risk of groundwater contamination, the hard surface is not made of porous materials; and

(b) in all other cases, either—

(i) the hard surface is made of porous materials, or

(ii) provision is made to direct run-off water from the hard surface to a permeable or porous area or surface within the curtilage of the undertaking.

Interpretation of Class E

E

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Class F – extensions etc of office buildings

Permitted development

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Development not permitted

F

Development is not permitted by Class F if—

(a) the gross floor space of the original building would be exceeded by more than—

(i) in respect of an original building or a development on—

(aa) article 2(3) land, or

(bb) on a site of special scientific interest,

25% or 50 square metres (whichever is the lesser);

(ii) in any other case, 50% or 100 square metres (whichever is the lesser);

(b) the height of the building as extended would exceed—

(i) if within 10 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the premises, 5 metres; or

(ii) in all other cases, the height of the building being extended;

(c) any part of the development, other than an alteration, would be within 5 metres of any boundary of the curtilage of the premises;

(d) any alteration would be on article 2(3) land; ...

(e) the development would be within the curtilage of a listed building ; or

(f) the building is in use as an office as permitted by Class JA (retail, takeaway, betting office, pay day loan shop, and launderette uses to offices) of Part 3 of this Schedule.

Conditions

F

Development is permitted by Class F subject to the following conditions—

(a) any office building as extended or altered is only used as part of, or for a purpose incidental to, the use of that office building;

(b) any extension is, in the case of article 2(3) land, constructed using materials which have a similar external appearance to those used for the building being extended; and

Interpretation of Class F

F

For the purposes of Class F, where 2 or more original buildings are within the same curtilage and are used for the same undertaking, they are to be treated as a single original building in making any measurement.

Class G – hard surfaces for office buildings

Permitted development

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Development not permitted

G

Development is not permitted by Class G if—

(a) the cumulative area of ground covered by a hard surface within the curtilage (excluding hard surfaces already existing on 6th April 2010) would exceed 50 square metres; ...

(b) the development would be within the curtilage of a listed building ; or

(c) the building is in use as an office as permitted by Class JA (retail, takeaway, betting office, pay day loan shop, and launderette uses to offices) of Part 3 of this Schedule.

Conditions

G

Development is permitted by Class G subject to the following conditions—

(a) where there is a risk of groundwater contamination, the hard surface is not made of porous materials; and

(b) in all other cases, either—

(i) the hard surface is made of porous materials, or

(ii) provision is made to direct run-off water from the hard surface to a permeable or porous area or surface within the curtilage of the office building.

Class H – extensions etc of industrial and warehouse

Permitted development

H

The erection, extension or alteration of an industrial building or a warehouse.

Development not permitted

H

Development is not permitted by Class H if—

(a) the gross floor space of any new building erected would exceed—

(i) for a building on article 2(3) land or on a site of special scientific interest, 100 square metres;

(ii) in any other case, would exceed 200 square metres;

(b) the gross floor space of the original building would be exceeded by more than—

(i) in respect of an original building or a development on article 2(3) land, 10% or 500 square metres (whichever is lesser);

(ii) in respect of an original building or a development on a site of special scientific interest, 25% or 1,000 square metres (whichever is the lesser);

(iii) in any other case, 50% or 1,000 square metres (whichever is the lesser);

(i) if within 10 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the premises, 5 metres;

(ii) in all other cases, the height of the highest building within the curtilage of the premises or 15 metres, whichever is lower;

(d) the height of the building as extended or altered would exceed—

(i) if within 10 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the premises, 5 metres;

(ii) in all other cases, the height of the building being extended or altered;

(e) any part of the development would be within 5 metres of any boundary of the curtilage of the premises;

(f) the development would lead to a reduction in the space available for the parking or turning of vehicles; or

(g) the development would be within the curtilage of a listed building.

Conditions

H

Development is permitted by Class H subject to the following conditions—

(a) the development is within the curtilage of an existing industrial building or warehouse;

(b) any building as erected, extended or altered is only to be used—

(i) in the case of an industrial building, for the carrying out of an industrial process for the purposes of the undertaking, for research and development of products or processes, or the provision of employee facilities ancillary to the undertaking;

(ii) in the case of a warehouse, for storage or distribution for the purposes of the undertaking or the provision of employee facilities ancillary to the undertaking;

(i) between 7.00pm and 6.30am, for employees other than those present at the premises of the undertaking for the purpose of their employment; or

(ii) at all, if a quantity of a dangerous substance is present at the premises of the undertaking in a quantity equal to or exceeding the quantity listed in the entry for that substance in Parts 2 or 3 of Schedule 1 to the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 ;

(d) any new building erected is, in the case of article 2(3) land, constructed using materials which have a similar external appearance to those used for the existing industrial building or warehouse; and

(e) any extension or alteration is, in the case of article 2(3) land, constructed using materials which have a similar external appearance to those used for the building being extended or altered.

Interpretation of Class H

H

For the purposes of Class H, where 2 or more original buildings are within the same curtilage and are used for the same undertaking, they are to be treated as a single original building in making any measurement.

H.4

For the purposes of Class H—

“dangerous substance” has the meaning given in regulation 2 of the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999;

“employee facilities” means social, care or recreational facilities provided for employees of the undertaking, including crèche facilities provided for the children of such employees; and

“original building” does not include any building erected at any time under Class H.

Class I – developments relating to an industrial process

Permitted development

I

Development carried out on industrial land for the purposes of an industrial process consisting of—

(a) the installation of additional or replacement plant or machinery;

(b) the provision, rearrangement or replacement of a sewer, main, pipe, cable or other apparatus, or

Development not permitted

I

Development described in Class I(a) is not permitted if—

(a) it would materially affect the external appearance of the premises of the undertaking concerned; or

(b) any plant or machinery would exceed a height of 15 metres above ground level or the height of anything replaced, whichever is the greater.

Interpretation of Class I

I

For the purposes of Class I, “industrial land” means land used for the carrying out of an industrial process, including land used for the purposes of an industrial undertaking as a dock, harbour or quay but does not include land in or adjacent to and occupied together with a mine.

Class J – hard surfaces for industrial and warehouse premises

Permitted development

J

Development consisting of—

(a) the provision of a hard surface within the curtilage of an industrial building or warehouse to be used for the purpose of the undertaking concerned; or

(b) the replacement in whole or in part of such a surface.

Development not permitted

J

Development is not permitted by Class J if the development would be within the curtilage of a listed building.

Conditions

J

Development is permitted by Class J subject to the following conditions—

(a) where there is a risk of groundwater contamination the hard surface must not be made of porous materials; and

(b) in all other cases, either—

(i) the hard surface is made of porous materials, or

(ii) provision is made to direct run-off water from the hard surface to a permeable or porous area or surface within the curtilage of the industrial building or warehouse.

Class K – waste deposits from an industrial process

Permitted development

K

The deposit of waste material resulting from an industrial process on any land comprised in a site which was used for that purpose on 1st July 1948 whether or not the superficial area or the height of the deposit is extended as a result.

Development not permitted

K

Development is not permitted by Class K if—

(a) the waste material is or includes material resulting from the winning and working of minerals; or

(b) the use on 1st July 1948 was for the deposit of material resulting from the winning and working of minerals.

Class L – development at waste management facilities

Permitted development

L

Development carried out on land used for the purposes of a waste management facility consisting of—

(a) the extension or alteration of a building; and

(b) the installation of replacement plant or machinery.

Development not permitted

L

Development described in Class L is not permitted if—

(a) the gross floor space occupied by the replacement plant or machinery would exceed by more than 15% the gross floor space of the plant or machinery it replaced;

(b) the development under Class L (together with any previous development under Class L) would result in the area occupied by buildings, plant or machinery on the site exceeding the original area occupied by buildings, plant or machinery by more than—

(i) 50%; or

(ii) 100 square metres,

whichever is the lesser;

(i) if within 10 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the site, 5 metres; or

(ii) in all other cases, the height of the building being extended or altered or 15 metres, whichever is the lower;

(d) the height of any replacement plant or machinery would exceed—

(i) if within 10 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the site, 5 metres; or

(ii) in all other cases, 15 metres;

(e) any part of the development would be within 5 metres of any boundary of the curtilage of the site;

(f) the development would lead to a reduction in the space available for the parking or turning of vehicles;

(g) the development would be—

(i) on article 2(3) land; or

(ii) in a site of special scientific interest;

(h) the building is a listed building or is within the curtilage of a listed building; or

(i) the site is, or contains, a scheduled monument.

Conditions

L.2

Development is permitted by Class L subject to the condition that any building as extended or altered is only used as part of, or for a purpose incidental to, the use of the site as a waste management facility.

Interpretation

L.3

For the purposes of Class L—

“waste management facility” means premises and associated land used for the purposes of any waste operation for which an environmental permit is required under Part 2 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010⁶⁸ or which is an exempt facility under those Regulations; and

“waste operation” has the meaning given in the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010.

Class M – extensions etc for schools, colleges, universities , prisons and hospitals

Permitted development

M

The erection, extension or alteration of a school, college, university , prison or hospital building.

Development not permitted

M

Development is not permitted by Class M—

(a) if the cumulative footprint of any erection, extension or alteration under Class M on or after the relevant date would exceed the greater of—

(i) 25% of the cumulative footprint of the school, college, university, prison or hospital buildings as it was on the relevant date; or

(ii) 250 square metres;

(b) in the case of a college, university , prison or hospital building, if any part of the development would be within 5 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the premises;

(ba) in the case of a school, where any land adjacent to the site is used for a purpose within Part C of the Schedule to the Use Classes Order (residential purposes), if any part of the proposed development is within 5 metres of the boundary of the curtilage of that residential land;

(c) if, as a result of the development, any land used as a playing field at any time in the 5 years before the development commenced and remaining in this use could no longer be so used;

(d) if the height of any new building erected would exceed—

(i) if within 10 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the premises, 5 metres; or

(ii) in all other cases, 6 metres;

(da) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e) if the height of the building as extended or altered would exceed—

(i) if within 10 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the premises, the lesser of the height of the building being extended or altered or 5 metres; or

(ii) in all other cases, the height of the building being extended or altered;

(ea) if the height of any rooftop structure would exceed 1.5 metres above the height of the new building or the building as extended or altered (as the case may be);

(f) if the development would be within the curtilage of a listed building; or

(g) unless—

(i) in the case of school, college or university buildings, the predominant use of the existing buildings on the premises is for the provision of education;

(ii) in the case of hospital buildings, the predominant use of the existing buildings on the premises is for the provision of any medical or health services ;

(iii) in the case of prison buildings—

(aa) the predominant use of the existing buildings on the premises is for the confinement of prisoners ; and

(bb) in the case of a closed prison, the development does not involve the erection, extension or alteration of any building beyond the perimeter as it stood on the relevant date.

(cc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conditions

M

Development is permitted by Class M subject to the following conditions—

(a) the development is within the curtilage of an existing school, college, university , prison or hospital;

(b) the development is only used as part of, or for a purpose incidental to, the use of that school, college, university , prison or hospital;

(c) any new building erected is, in the case of article 2(3) land, constructed using materials which have a similar external appearance to those used for the original school, college, university , prison or hospital buildings; ...

(d) any extension or alteration is, in the case of article 2(3) land, constructed using materials which have a similar external appearance to those used for the building being extended or altered ;

(e) where proposed development under Class M relates to the erection, extension or alteration of a school building that results in an increase in the school’s published admission number, the developer must, within a period of six months starting with the date the development is completed, submit to the local planning authority a travel plan for the site;

(f) where proposed development under Class M relates to the erection, extension or alteration of a university building, development is permitted subject to the condition that before beginning the development the developer applies to the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to—

(i) transport and highways impacts of the proposed development;

(ii) the design and external appearance of the erection, extension or alteration; or

(iii) the impact of the development on heritage and archaeology;

(g) an application required under paragraph (f) is to be made and determined in accordance with paragraph M.2A (procedure for applications for prior approval under Class M);

(h) development approved pursuant to an application under paragraph (f) is permitted subject to the condition that it is completed within a period of three years starting with the prior approval date;

(i) where proposed development under Class M relates to the erection, extension or alteration of an open prison building, before beginning development the developer must—

(i) assess the contamination and flood risks of the development;

(ii) identify measures to reduce, so far as practicable, any contamination or flood risks of the development;

(iii) where the development is in an area within Flood Zone 3, carry out prior consultation in accordance with paragraph M.2B (procedure for prior consultation under Class M); and

(iv) provide written notification to the local planning authority of the proposed development with the documents and information listed in sub-paragraph (j);

(j) the documents and information specified in sub-paragraph (i)(iv) are—

(i) a written description of the proposed development;

(ii) a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development;

(iii) a drawing, prepared to an identified scale, showing—

(aa) in the case of a building to be erected, the proposed external dimensions and elevations of that building; and

(bb) in the case of a building to be extended or altered, the external dimensions and elevations of that building both before and after the proposed extension or alteration;

(iv) the proposed commencement date;

(v) written confirmation that development will not take place on any land used as a playing field, and remaining in that use, at any time in the 5 years before the proposed commencement date;

(vi) the developer’s contact address; and

(vii) the developer’s email address if the developer is content to receive communications electronically.

Interpretation of Class M

M

For the purposes of Class M—

“closed prison” means a prison used for the confinement of prisoners in closed conditions located on a site with a closed perimeter;

“footprint”, in relation to a building, means the total area of ground covered by it;

“open prison” means a prison used for the confinement of prisoners in open conditions located on a site without a closed perimeter;

“original school, college, university, prison or hospital building” means original building which is a school, college, university, prison or hospital building, as the case may be, other than any building erected at any time under Class M;

“prior approval date” has the meaning given in paragraph X of Part 3;

“prison”—includes a young offender institution provided pursuant to section 43(1)(a) (places for the detention of young offenders etc) of the Prison Act 1952;does not include—a secure training centre or a secure college provided pursuant to, respectively, section 43(1)(b) or (c) of the Prison Act 1952;premises approved pursuant to section 13(1) (approved premises) of the Offender Management Act 2007;a bail hostel within the meaning of section 2(2) (other definitions) of the Bail Act 1976;

“published admission number” means the number of pupils of any relevant age group at the school determined by the admission authority under sections 88C and 88D of the School Standards Framework Act 1998;

“relevant date” means 21st December 2023 in the case of the development of an open prison building and 21st April 2021 in the case of all other development;

“rooftop structure” has the meaning given in paragraph D.3 of Part 9;

“school” does not include a building which changed use by virtue of Class S of Part 3 of this Schedule (changes of use) or which was erected by virtue of Class CA of Part 4 of this Schedule (temporary buildings and uses) ; and

“travel plan” means a long-term management strategy that seeks to deliver sustainable transport objectives

Class N – hard surfaces for schools, colleges, universities or hospitals

Permitted development

N

Development consisting of—

(a) the provision of a hard surface within the curtilage of any school, college, university or hospital to be used for the purposes of that school, college, university or hospital; or

(b) the replacement in whole or in part of such a surface.

Development not permitted

N

Development is not permitted by Class N if—

(a) the cumulative area of ground covered by a hard surface within the curtilage of the site (other than hard surfaces already existing on 6th April 2010) would exceed 50 square metres;

(b) as a result of the development, any land used as a playing field at any time in the 5 years before the development commenced and remaining in this use could no longer be so used; or

Conditions

N

Development is permitted by Class N subject to the following conditions—

(a) where there is a risk of groundwater contamination, the hard surface is not made of porous materials; and

(b) in all other cases, either—

(i) the hard surface is made of porous materials, or

(ii) provision is made to direct run-off water from the hard surface to a permeable or porous area or surface within the curtilage of the institution.

Interpretation of Part 7

O

For the purposes of Part 7—

“industrial building” means a building used for the carrying out of an industrial process and includes a building used for the carrying out of such a process on land used as a dock, harbour or quay for the purposes of an industrial undertaking and land used for research and development of products or processes, but does not include a building on land in or adjacent to and occupied together with a mine;

“office building” means a building used for any purpose within Class E(g)(i) of Schedule 2 to the Use Classes Order (offices);

“registered nursery” and “state-funded school” have the meanings given in paragraph X of Part 3 of this Schedule (changes of use);

“school”—includes a building permitted by Class C of Part 4 (temporary buildings and uses) to be used temporarily as a school, from the date the local planning authority is notified as provided in paragraph C.2(b) of Part 4;except in Class M (extensions etc for schools), includes premises which have changed use under Class S of Part 3 of this Schedule (changes of use) to become a state-funded school ...; andincludes premises which have changed use under Class T of Part 3 of this Schedule (changes of use) to become a state-funded school ...; and

“warehouse” means a building used for any purpose within Class B8 (storage or distribution) of Schedule 1 to the Use Classes Order but does not include a building on land in or adjacent to and occupied together with a mine.

Class A – railway or light railway undertakings

Permitted development

A

Development by railway undertakers on their operational land, required in connection with the movement of traffic by rail.

Development not permitted

A

Development is not permitted by Class A if it consists of or includes—

(a) the construction of a railway;

(b) the construction or erection of a hotel, railway station or bridge; or

(i) an office, residential or educational building, or a building used for an industrial process, or

(ii) a car park, shop, restaurant, garage, petrol filling station or other building or structure provided under transport legislation.

Interpretation of Class A

A

For the purposes of Class A, references to the construction or erection of any building or structure include references to the reconstruction or alteration of a building or structure where its design or external appearance would be materially affected.

Permitted development

B

Development on operational land by statutory undertakers or their lessees or agents of development (including the erection or alteration of an operational building) in respect of dock, pier, harbour, water transport, or canal or inland navigation undertakings, required—

(a) for the purposes of shipping, ...

(b) in connection with the embarking, disembarking, loading, discharging or transport of passengers, livestock or goods at a dock, pier or harbour, or with the movement of traffic by canal or inland navigation or by any railway forming part of the undertaking , or

Development not permitted

B

Development is not permitted by Class B if it consists of or includes—

(a) the construction or erection of a hotel, or of a bridge or other building not required in connection with the handling of traffic; or

(b) the construction or erection otherwise than wholly within the limits of a dock, pier or harbour of—

(i) an educational building, ...

(ii) a car park, shop, restaurant, garage, petrol filling station or other building provided under transport legislation ,

(i) the erection of a building other than an operational building; or

(ii) the alteration or reconstruction of a building other than an operational building, where its design or external appearance would be materially affected.

Interpretation of Class B

B

For the purposes of Class B—

(a) references to the construction or erection of any building or structure include references to the reconstruction or alteration of a building or structure where its design or external appearance would be materially affected, and

(b) the reference to operational land includes land designated by an order made under section 14 or 16 of the Harbours Act 1964 (orders for securing harbour efficiency etc., and orders conferring powers for improvement, construction etc., of harbours) , and which has come into force, whether or not the order was subject to the provisions of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945 .

Class C – works to inland waterways

Permitted development

C

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