Get planning permission for nursery premises

Planning law groups uses of buildings into use classes. A creche, day nursery or day centre, not including a residential use, is in Class E(f), alongside shops, cafes, offices, gyms and health centres. Changing from one use to another within the same class is not development, so it does not need planning permission.

Before you sign a lease, check the premises' current lawful use, and whether its planning permission has a condition that limits how the building can be used.

If you need permission

If the premises are in another use class, such as a house, a pub or a warehouse, apply to your local planning authority for planning permission for the change of use. Ask for pre-application advice first. It helps you find out early whether the council is likely to accept a nursery on the site and what it will want to see.

What the council will look at

Councils commonly look at noise from outdoor play, the effect on neighbours, parking for staff and parents, and road safety at drop-off and collection. A permission often comes with conditions, for example on opening hours, the maximum number of children, when children can play outside, parking and noise mitigation.

How long a decision takes

Steps to take

Other approvals you need

Planning permission is separate from building regulations approval. Building work to convert premises, such as new toilets, kitchens, fire doors or ramps, may also need building regulations approval.

Check that the rooms children will use give enough usable space per child under the EYFS before you commit to premises, because it limits how many children you can care for there.