On 1 September 2020, new planning use class E came into force. Use class E groups together shops, restaurants, offices, gyms, GP's and nurseries into one planning use class. As such, it is now possible to switch between these uses without securing planning consent.

But, what of the permitted development rights that, for example, made it possible to convert offices to flats using a prior approval process?

From 1 September 2020 until 31 July 2021, the permitted development rights will continue to be applied based on the use classes as they existed on 31 August 2020. New permitted development rights are to be introduced from 1 August 2021.