Buying & Renting Properties for Use Class E
In September 2020, planning legislation around property use classes changed, with use class D1 and D2 being withdrawn. The core of the D1 and D2 market now falls within E class (Commercial, Business, and Service) which includes a wide range of properties available for different business types, including health clinics, day nurseries, gyms, and fitness centres, amongst others.
Bernard Gordon & Co. have worked in this market for 30+ years, and whilst the letter use class has changed, we continue to help clients with our team’s knowledge and experience. We are still one of the leading agents within the day nursery, medical, and fitness property markets across London and the Southeast. We have helped hundreds if not thousands of businesses source new properties over the years.
We understand the specifications for day nurseries include the size of the unit and classroom to ensure maximum capacity, outside space, parking & drop off facilities where applicable, longer leases to ensure continuous business, etc. We know how to find clinics, medical units, and dental practices in key locations, whether it is high footfall or passing trade you require. Likewise, we know some private medical practices are looking for property in discreet locations. We are familiar with the space needed for decontamination rooms, consider legislation around DDA compliance and CQC approval when sourcing sites, and appreciate that the size and accessibility of units are paramount to your business. We are aware of the unique requirements for gyms and fitness studios, ensuring floor loading capacity, ceiling heights, power supply, and accessibility are all assessed. We also follow the latest trends within all use class E sectors, especially medical and fitness, so we can be up to date on the latest requirements when seeking suitable premises.
Use class E has opened new opportunities for former D1 and D2 occupiers that perhaps weren’t as easy previously. For example,converting an office with a car park into a day nursery is a more straightforward process now given both fall within use class E. This is also the case when converting a high street shop into a fitness studio or a medical clinic, given that both also now fall within use class E so planning permission from local councils is seldom required, and when it is, we will let you know in advance of signing any leases. It is essential, however, that any tenant or buyer of a commercial property satisfy themselves with planning permission as conditions, section 106 notices, and other legislations can sometimes restrict the use of a property; therefore, we advise our clients to seek advice from a planning consultant. Our team can offer guidance on the new planning use class categories.
Contact us today to help you find the perfect premise for your business.
