# What does sui generis mean in planning?

Canonical source: https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/sui-generis/

Sui generis means a use falls outside the specified planning use classes.

## The detail.

Examples in England include pubs, hot food takeaways, cinemas and certain larger HMOs. A change to or from a sui generis use needs individual assessment; permitted development rights may apply in some cases.

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.

-   Identify the lawful use and the proposed operation.
-   Ask the local planning authority or a planning adviser about the route for the particular change.

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 hot food takeaway?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/takeaway/)
-   [What planning use class is a pub or bar?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/pub-bar/)
-   [What planning use class is a cinema?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/cinema/)
-   [When is planning permission needed for a change of use?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/change-of-use/)

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

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