Retention of Employment Land and Premises SPD
3.0 Which types of land and premises are included?
3.1 This SPD relates only to cases where a planning application is being submitted to change existing 'B' Use Classes as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended)1 or any of a use of a similar character not falling within a specified use class.
3.2 The B use classes comprise the following:
· B1 Business - Offices (other than those that fall within A2), research and development of products and processes, light industry appropriate in a residential area.
· B2 General industrial - Use for industrial process other than one falling within class B1 (excluding incineration purposes, chemical treatment or landfill or hazardous waste).
· B8 Storage or distribution - This class includes open air storage.
3.3 The SPD applies to employment land in premises across the town as a whole, and not just on established employment estates. The requirements also apply regardless of size or location of premises.
3.4 Each application is, however considered on a case by case basis, and on its own merits. If you are in any doubt as to whether the SPD applies to your land or premises, you are advised to contact the Council's Development Management team using the contact details at the end of this document.
1 Please note that where changes of use constitute permitted development as defined by the 2015 Use Classes Amendment Order, this SPD will not apply. For more information, please see www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/changeofuse/.