Class F1 (including planning for schools, libraries, museums and art galleries) incorporates elements of the previous D1 use class and is for:
Use Class F1 - Learning & Non-Residential Institutions
Planning for Schools, Galleries, Libraries, Halls, Museums, Halls & Churches
Use Class F1 was introduced in England in 2020 following the amendments to the Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended)
Class F1 (Learning and non-residential institutions)
Use Class F1 covers the following non-residential property uses:
(a) for the provision of education, e.g. schools and training centres
(b) for the display of works of art (but not including galleries that sell or rent out)
(c) as a museum
(d) as a public library or reading room,
(e) as a public hall or exhibition hall,
(f) for, or in connection with, public worship or religious instruction e.g. churches, synagogues & mosques
(g) as a law court.
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Change of use – Use Class F1
There are limited opportunities for change of use to Use Class F1 as a permitted development, however, there are no such opportunities to change from F1 Use Class to another class.
A change of use from Use Classes C1, C2, E and Agricultural Buildings to a State-Funded School (F1a) for example, may be possible subject to meeting certain criteria and conditions. There are also additional temporary use changes to Use Class F1 for limited periods.
A change of use within the class is allowable, although a certificate of lawfulness would be needed.
Use class F1 examples
Uses that fall under Use Class F1 include as a school, college, university, higher education establishment, training centre, art gallery, education facility, church, church hall, monastery, mosque, synagogue, places of worship, exhibition space and halls.
Other uses, such as medical or health services, that were also in Class D1 now fall under Class E (Commercial, Business and Service) with a range of other similar uses. Uses that include residential aspects would fall under Use Class C2.
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CASE STUDIES
At Plande, we have been involved with a variety of learning and non-residential institution projects, which now fall under Use Class F1, including new build, extensions and mixed-use buildings comprising multiple uses. The following are a sample of interesting or challenging projects.
Change of use of domestic Garage into an Art Gallery and Studio
Change of use of domestic Garage into an Art Gallery and Studio
Change of use of Police Station to an Education Centre for a Religious charity
Change of use of Police Station to an Education Centre for a Religious charity
Transforming Retail Space into a Vital Community Resource
Transforming Retail Space into a Vital Community Resource
Expanding Educational Opportunities at a Pupil Referral Unit
Expanding Educational Opportunities at a Pupil Referral Unit
Transforming a Youth Centre into a Modern Pupil Referral Unit
Transforming a Youth Centre into a Modern Pupil Referral Unit
Modular Teaching Block to College to provide additional classrooms
Modular Teaching Block to College to provide additional classrooms
Conversion of A1 (Post Office) to D1 / F1 (Church)
Conversion of A1 (Post Office) to D1 / F1 (Church)
Change of Use of Grade II Listed Church for A3 Use (restaurant & wine bar)
Change of Use of Grade II Listed Church for A3 Use (restaurant & wine bar)
Development of a replacement Primary School (D1 Use).
Development of a replacement Primary School (D1 Use).
Agricultural training/ teaching facility in open countryside
Agricultural training/ teaching facility in open countryside
2 new School classrooms in a separate self-contained building (D1 Use Class)
2 new School classrooms in a separate self-contained building (D1 Use Class)
Disclaimer: This page provides an introduction only and is not a definitive statement of the law and should therefore not be relied upon. The information above relates to England only. Policies across the rest of the UK may differ. Contact your Local Planning Authority for advice and confirmation before any works are carried out. All images used are for illustrative purposes only. Read the full disclaimer here.
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