Scottish Property Classes Guide
In this post you will find a list of the eleven property use classes for Scotland under The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997, as well as the category known as Sui Generis, which covers property that does not fall within the other classes.
Permitted changes to use are noted for each class. This information is provided as a guide only. You need to contact your local planning authority to find the existing planning use class for a particular property.
Although a change of use of a property that falls within the same class does not need planning permission, as it is not development, it is always important to check the current use of a property. This change of use within a class does not apply to property falling within Sui Generis where planning permission is always required except as noted below.
Class 1 – Shops
Where the sale, display or service is principally to visiting members of the public.
No permitted changes to any other class.
Class 2 – Financial and professional services
Use for the provision of services which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area and where the services are provided principally to visiting members of the public.
Change of use to Class 1 permitted.
Class 3 – Food and Drink
Use for the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises.
Change of use to Class 1 and 2 permitted.
Class 4 – Business
Being a use which can be carried on in any residential area without detriment to the amenity of that area by reason of noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, soot, ash, dust or grit.
Change of use to Class 6 (up to 235 sqm of floor space only).
Class 5. General industrial
Use for the carrying on of an industrial process other than one falling within class 4 (business).
Change of use permitted to Class 6 (up to 235 sqm of floor space only) or to Class 4.
Class 6. Storage or distribution
Use for storage or as a distribution centre.
Change to Class 4 permitted.
Class 7. Hotels and hostels
Use as a hotel, boarding house, guest house, or hostel where no significant element of care is provided, other than premises licensed for the sale of alcoholic liquor to persons other than residents or to persons other than persons consuming meals on the premises and other than a use within class 9 (houses).
No permitted changes to any other class.
Class 8. Residential institutions
- for the provision of residential accommodation and care to people in need of care other than a use within class 9 (houses);
- as a hospital or nursing home; or
- as a residential school, college or training centre.
No permitted changes to any other class.
Class 9. Houses
No permitted changes to any other class.
Class 10. Non-residential institutions
Use, not including residential use–
- as a crêche, day nursery or day centre;
- for the provision of education;
- for the display of works of art (otherwise than for sale or hire);
- as a museum;
- as a public library or public reading room;
- as a public hall or exhibition hall; or
- for, or in connection with, public worship or religious instruction, or the social or recreational activities of a religious body.
No permitted changes to any other class
Class 11. Assembly and leisure
- cinema;
- concert hall;
- bingo hall or casino;
- dance hall or discotheque; or
- swimming bath, skating rink, gymnasium or area for other indoor or outdoor sports or recreation, not involving motorised vehicles or firearms.
No permitted changes to any other class.
Sui generis
- as a public house;
- as a theatre;
- as an amusement arcades or funfair;
- as a launderette;
- for the sale of fuel for motor vehicles;
- for the sale or display for sale of motor vehicles;
- for a taxi or vehicle hire business;
- for flats and student accommodation;
- for hot food takeaways;
- for motor vehicle recreation or firearm sport;
Change to use of Car showroom to up to 235 sqm of Class 1, Hot food takeaway to Class 1 or Class 2.
