# What are Class F planning uses?

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

Class F in England covers learning and non-residential institutions (F1) and certain local community uses (F2).

## The detail.

F1 includes education, museums, libraries, public halls and places of worship. F2 includes qualifying small essential shops, local community halls, outdoor sport, swimming pools and skating rinks.

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.

-   Confirm the exact use and whether its statutory criteria are met.
-   Review the planning history, conditions and proposed alterations.

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)

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

## Related questions.

-   [What planning use class is a swimming pool?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/swimming-pool/)
-   [What planning use class are padel courts?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/padel-courts/)
-   [What happened to Class D1 planning use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/class-d1/)
-   [What happened to Class D2 planning use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/class-d2/)

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

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