# What planning use class is a hot food takeaway?

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

A hot food takeaway in England is generally sui generis when the hot food is mostly consumed off the premises.

## The detail.

A restaurant or café where food and drink are mostly consumed on the premises generally falls within Class E(b). A mixed operation needs a fact-specific assessment.

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 local planning policies.
-   Consider extraction, odours, deliveries, hours and any 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 restaurant?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/restaurant/)
-   [What planning use class is a café?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/cafe/)
-   [What does sui generis mean in planning?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/sui-generis/)
-   [Can a shop be changed into a café?](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/planning-use-classes/shop-to-cafe/)

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

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