# What happened to Class B1 planning use?

Canonical source: https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/class-b1/

The former Class B1 business use was brought into Class E in England from 1 September 2020.

## The detail.

Offices, research and development and certain light industrial processes are now described in the E(g) parts. The new classification does not remove the need to check the conditions attached to a particular permission.

This guidance applies to England. The lawful use, conditions, any proposed works and the facts of the operation should be checked for each property.

## What to check.

-   Check the existing lawful use and any limits on the operation in decision notices.
-   Review the lease, servicing and proposed alterations separately.

A planning adviser or the local planning authority can advise on the specific property and proposal.

## Sources.

-   [Planning Portal: use classes in England](https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/change-of-use/use-classes/)
-   [GOV.UK: when is permission required?](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/when-is-permission-required)
-   [2020 use-class changes: legislation](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/757/regulation/7)

Sources reviewed 6 November 2026. General information, not a planning opinion.

## Related questions.

-   [What planning use class is an office?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/office/)
-   [What planning use class is an industrial unit?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/industrial-unit/)
-   [What is Class E planning use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/class-e/)
-   [What is Class B2 planning use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/class-b2/)

[See all planning use class guides](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/)

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