From 1 September 2020 existing buildings that are already used for Class A1 , A2 , A3 , B1 and certain D1 and D2 uses will fall within a new single Class E and, unless the permissions they operate under have specific controls, will be able to change to other uses within that new class without the need for planning permission.

The amendments also introduce the concept of a “part use”, allowing a change of use of part of a building, use or planning unit to an alternative Class E use without permission.