Does my planned usage fall within planning class?

[Ali Aga]

Hello, We are a small business selling refurbished Agas and Rayburns, as well as servicing and repairs etc. We’ve recently taken on a small premises which has B1, B2 and B8 planning. This will be split into workshop space and a showroom area. Alongside showcasing our Cookers, we’re planning on selling a fairly limited selection of smaller complimentary items- giftware, cookware, textiles etc. These will also be available online. Our landlord is aware of our intended use. We are on a Rural Business Park-our neighbours are garages, a small factory, offices etc. There is also a caravan site and a small number of residential dwellings on the park, all owned by the landlord. My concern is as to whether our intended use moves a little too far into the retail planning classes and if we’re likely to have an issue with this?

 

[Countrymun]

I am not sure - but often garages sell cars on the side too? There is a great organisation called Planning Aid which can help with tricky questions - although I would think you might be better speaking to someone in your local council planning department - at the end of the day, they are responsible and if they are not happy about it then you could face a long and stressful process. You could say that your main business is service and repair but you would like to offer some new models since sometimes a customer's oven can't be repaired?

 

[Ali Aga]

My worry about going to the planning department is that they object and cause major difficulties where we could probably trade undisturbed quite happily in our location otherwise. As the landlord has said, there is no one to object as the whole site is his.

 

[Countrymun]

Yes - I totally agree. If you could cope with them turning up in a few weeks/months and demanding you close the retail part of the business, then keeping quiet about it is probably the best solution
I haven't had good experiences with planning depts. But it might be worth contacting PlanningAid website as mentioned earlier. It was a free service for straightforward enquiries when I last used it and I found them really helpful. And if they agree it's within permitted use then it will put your mind at rest.

 

[Ali Aga]

I will definitely check out planning aid. And no we couldn’t deal with them closing down the retail side - it would be a disaster for us. I find it odd that my landlord would view the activities as permitted if they are not. We took on the unit without any concerns because of this. Would you consider that this doesn’t fall within the planning categories we have permission for then?

 

[Countrymun]

Must stress that I am not a planning expert (but covered planning issues for many years in a career as journalist - and live in rural property which has created various planning issues).
This page on PlanningAid might be helpful - https://planningaid.zendesk.com/hc/...at-does-having-B1-business-use-premises-mean-

At the bottom of the article is a link to submit question/request advice. Responsible councils are doing all they can at the moment I think to support local businesses - especially those that provide jobs and might grow if given the chance. But sadly some council officials are still real Jobsworths - and of course there could be people in the area paying retail/high street rent who would complain if they thought you were taking their trade?
I would be interested to know the outcome - let us know how you get on.

 

[Countrymun]

Sorry, meant to add that sometimes landlords will promise the moon if it means they rent their properties - hopefully your landlord is genuine