# Can a shop be changed into a café?

Canonical source: https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/shop-to-cafe/

In England, a typical shop and café may both fall within Class E, so a change between them is generally not development.

## The detail.

Check the specific use and the property’s planning conditions. A hot food takeaway is treated differently, and physical works such as extraction or shopfront changes may require separate 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.

-   Review the lawful use, decision notices, conditions and the lease.
-   Consider extraction, servicing, opening hours 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)
-   [Planning Portal: converting a shop to a café](https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/shops/i-want-to-convert-a-shop-to-a-cafe-public-house-or-takeaway/)

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

## Related questions.

-   [What planning use class is a shop?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/shop/)
-   [What planning use class is a café?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/cafe/)
-   [What planning use class is a restaurant?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/restaurant/)
-   [What planning use class is a hot food takeaway?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/takeaway/)

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

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