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Class D: Modification of shop loading bays
Class D permits the modification of an existing shop loading bay. The original loading bay may not be increased by more than 20% in any dimension. The right does not apply on protected land such as conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes, the Broads and World Heritage Sites, in an SSSI, or within the curtilage of a listed building or scheduled monument.
Need help with permitted development?
Permitted development can avoid a full planning application, but only if the right applies and every relevant limit and condition is met. Planning Geek can check the planning history, Article 4 directions and other restrictions, and help with a lawful development certificate or prior approval where needed.
Any materials used must have a similar appearance to those used on the exterior of the shop. There is no prior approval procedure under Class D. The full legislation is below. If you need help establishing whether the works qualify, please contact us.
Shop loading bay legislation
Class D – modification of shop loading bays
Permitted development
D. Development consisting of modification of a loading bay of a shop.
Development not permitted
D.1 Development is not permitted by Class D if—
(a) the size of the original loading bay, when measured in any dimension, would be increased by more than 20%; or
(b) any part of the development would be—
(i) on article 2(3) land;
(ii) in a site of special scientific interest; or
(iii) within the curtilage of a listed building or a scheduled monument.
Conditions
D.2 Development is permitted by Class D subject to the condition that the materials used must be of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior of the shop.
Interpretation of Class D
D.3 For the purposes of Class D—
“goods vehicle” has the meaning given in section 192 of the Road Traffic Act 1988;
“loading bay” means any facility, including vehicle ramps, for the loading or unloading of goods vehicles; and
“shop” means a building used for any purpose within Class E(a) (display or retail sale of goods other than hot food) of Schedule 2 to the Use Classes Order.
Current legislation: Part 7 of Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk
Shop loading bay Page Updated: 23rd September 2026