Planning Permission to Repurpose a Former Shop to a Medical Facility

We are delighted to have secured planning permission for alterations to a former Costcutter supermarket in Colchester. The works will enable this larger building to reopen as a medical facility.

The Proposed Medical Facility

The application site was formerly occupied by Costcutter Food Store, but has been empty since 2019.

Being a former shop, the application site falls now falls within Class E. The sought to undertake external alterations and subdivide this building into a number of separate units, each within Class E, but covering a variety of activities such as, retail, pharmacy, café, medical/health centre and fitness.

This proposed scheme therefore only sought planning permission for the physical alterations and modifications to the building to enable this sub-division to be carried out.  

The Planning History for this Shop Unit

Use Class E of the Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended) was introduced in September 2020 and covers the former use classes of A1 (shops), A2 (financial and professional), A3 (restaurants and cafes) as well as parts of D1 (non-residential institutions) and D2 (assembly and leisure) and puts them all into one use class. As such, the application site now falls within Class E of the Use Classes Order 1987.

We had to demonstrate to the Council that the shop fell within a lawful Class E use and that the proposed operation of this building would also fall within Class E. This process ensured that a formal planning application for the planning use was not required.

Only planning permission for the alterations to the building were therefore sought. We were able to demonstrate that the proposed alterations would modernise the entrance to this building, making it a more legible and inviting to potential users of this facility. These alterations would therefore be fully in accordance with the adopted planning policies.  

Are you planning to repurpose a former retail unit?

There are many redundant and empty retail units across the UK that require rejuvenation. These projects can make for exciting and profitable investment opportunities. If you are planning to repurpose a former retail unit, contact our planners to see how we can assist with your project. Contact us at mail@adpltd.co.uk or use the form below: