Statement: Planning applications for Unit 1, Five Valleys Shopping Centre
Published: Tuesday, 16 August, 2022
Planning permission is not required to change the use of Unit 1 at Five Valleys shopping centre to a café.
This is because Government has changed planning rules which all councils must follow, allowing flexible movement between a number of different uses such as shops, financial/professional services, restaurants and cafes, health centres, offices and light industrial uses amongst others, without the need to apply for planning permission for a change of use.
Therefore this is a permitted change of use within Class E of the Use Classes Order 1987. Class E was introduced by Government on 1st September 2020.
The current applications for this site are for physical works to the exterior of the building (S.22/1697/FUL) and new advertisements (S.22/1698/ADV) only. The council will not be able to consider the use of Unit 1 when determining these applications.
These applications can be viewed on the council’s website or at the council’s Ebley Mill offices, and members of the public can make comments.