Dental Properties

Since September 2020, dentists have been categorised under Use Class E in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order.

This use class includes various commercial activities, such as:

• Shops
• Restaurants
• Offices (formerly Class B1)
• Financial and Professional services
• Indoor sports facilities
• Dental and Medical Clinics
• Nurseries

Previously, dental premises were classified under Use Class D1 (Non-residential institutions). The change to Class E simplifies the planning process for opening a new dental practice, as many conversions within Class E don’t require planning permission.

Whether you need planning permission for a dental practice depends on a few factors:

• Existing Use Class: The planning permission required depends on the property’s current Use Class.
• Use Class E: If the building already falls under Class E (covers offices, shops, clinics etc.), you likely won’t need planning permission to convert it into a dental practice (assuming minimal alterations).
• Other Use Classes: If the property falls under a different Use Class (like residential or industrial), you’ll need to apply for planning permission to change it to Class E for a dental practice.
• Extent of Alterations: Even within Class E, significant modifications to the building’s structure or external appearance might require planning permission. Minor internal changes typically wouldn’t.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Converting from Class E (offices, shops etc.): Likely no permission needed (check for extensive alterations and restrictions in current planning).
• Converting from other Use Classes: Planning permission likely required.

We have a network of trusted partners we can refer you to.

Most local authorities also offer pre-application advice services. This allows you to discuss your plans and get an idea of whether planning permission is likely to be granted before you submit a formal application.

Yes, dental practices can operate under Use Class E without requiring a change of use application, provided certain conditions are met. The key thing is that the property you’re converting into a dental practice must already be classified as Use Class E, with no restrictions in the user which may be implemented by previous planning applications and/or restrictions in the title ownership of the property. This means it could have previously been an office space, a retail unit, or another Class E use. If you’re only making minor alterations to the building’s interior to accommodate the dental practice, a change of use application likely wouldn’t be required.

Use Class E includes a broader range of commercial use activities compared to D1. This inclusion streamlines the planning process for opening a new dental practice, as many conversions within Class E can proceed without requiring planning permission. This simplification reduces administrative burdens and speeds up the process of setting up new dental practices.

Use Class E offers greater flexibility for dental practices to adapt their premises. With a wider range of allowable activity under Class E, dentists have more options for co-locating with other businesses, such as chemists or health-related retail outlets.

Yes, office space within a building classified under Use Class E can typically be converted into a dental practice.

In many cases, such conversions can proceed without the need for planning permission, simplifying the process of establishing a dental practice within a Use Class E building.

However, in some cases, we would advise you to consult with local planning experts to ensure compliance with any specific regulations or requirements that may apply to such conversions. Our team can introduce you to the relevant professionals who can help.