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
- GOV.UK: when is permission required?
- Planning Portal: converting a shop to a café
Sources reviewed 6 November 2026. General information, not a planning opinion.