Features

Nurseries on the high street? What the new planning reforms mean

New planning regulations relaxing rules about converting commercial property took effect on 1 September 2020 in England, with huge implications for early years settings. David Palmer, director at Morgan LaRoche, has an overview
David Palmer
David Palmer

Autumn’s changes to the planning system have been described as the most radical since the Second World War. They amend a 1987 order which put the use of a building into various ‘use classes’. Under this system, change from one use class to another often required planning consent but some ‘change of use’ could take place without planning consent within the same user class or from one use class to another.

The most significant reform is that Classes A, B1 and D1 applicable to retail, office and non-residential institutions are removed and new use classes Class E, Class F1 and Class F2 are introduced. These changes are summarised in the table below:

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here