Business property class?

[Londonmum31]

Hello all

Thank you in advance for reading and any advice given.
I have decided to look into opening a indoor children's play area (soft play) in my local borough as there really isn't any local ones near by and I think the area could really benefit. I have read every article and blog about openeing a soft play and have already contacted the princes trust for help with writing my business plan. However I can't seem to work out what class it would be categorised in. I would like to serve tea,coffee,panini, toasted sandwiches and jacket potatoes. I am planning on having a jacket potatoe table top oven and a microwave, sandwich press also a coffee machine so no oven or hobs just can't work out what class of shop I would need to get. Any help?

 

[TheConsulter]

The type of property you are looking for is "Class D2". Such properties are used for entertainment and leisure purposes. The type of business you want to start, an indoor children's play area, falls within this category.

 

[Londonmum31]

Thanks for that.
Would it be possible to change the use of a building from A1 or A2 to D2

 

[TheConsulter]

The law that determines for what use a particular property can be used for by the occupants, is determined in The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. The law applies for those who are looking to rent, lease, buy or otherwise occupy a commercial property. The law is there to create a suitable balance between businesses and residential areas. This means plain and simple that they want to prevent business activities that can have a detrimental effect on the local community.

I'm not 100% sure about the option to change or contest a classification of a property that has already been instated. I can think of a lengthy application process, but I don't think that you would like to wait for this. Rather you would want to focus on your business and how to make it successful. I think the best option for you is to contact different providers of commercial properties, and tell them what you are specifically looking for. An indoor soft play area for children with a café.

I think your business idea is great and wish you all the best.

 

[Londonmum31]

Thank you so much for all that information.

Hopefully it will all work out great.

 

[TheConsulter]

No problems. Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

 

[JakeM]

It's possible to change within the same letter very easily (D1 to D2 for example), but to change to a different class will require Planning Permission.

The process takes 6-8 weeks and there's no guarantee it'll be granted. Also as a negative Planning Application can adversely affect the value of a property, you have to be the owner of the building in order to apply.

It's common in small villages to see changes of use for high street houses being converted into shops, and sometimes even back into houses years later.