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Class DA: former temporary takeaway food right
Historical permitted development right
Class DA ceased to have effect on 23rd March 2022. This page is intentionally retained because the former legislation may still be relevant when checking the planning status of development carried out while Class DA was in force.
Class DA is no longer available for new development. It was an emergency permitted development right introduced during the coronavirus pandemic and applied only during the period from 10:00 am on 24th March 2020 to 23rd March 2022.
The page is retained as a historical reference because Class DA can still appear in older planning histories and enforcement enquiries. It should not be relied on for a takeaway use starting today.
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.
What Class DA used to allow
During the relevant period, Class DA allowed certain restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments and mixed pub and restaurant uses to provide takeaway food without a separate planning application for that temporary change.
The right covered collection and delivery of prepared hot or cold food for consumption away from the premises.
The right ended on 23rd March 2022
The temporary permission was expressly tied to the statutory relevant period. At the end of that period, or earlier if the developer stopped providing takeaway food under Class DA, the building and land within its curtilage had to revert to the previous lawful use.
There is no continuing Class DA right that can be activated now.
What should you do now?
If premises are proposed for takeaway use today, start with the existing lawful use and the current Use Classes Order. A hot food takeaway is a sui generis use, so a material change to that use will normally need its own planning route unless another current permission or permitted development right applies.
Our Use Classes section and change of use guidance are better starting points for a current proposal.
Fees and appeals
There is no current Class DA application because the right has expired. A present-day takeaway proposal may need a planning application, with the current charges shown on our planning fees page. If planning permission is refused, the usual appeal process may be available.
Relevant legislation
The historic statutory wording remains visible in Class DA of Schedule 2, Part 4 of the GPDO. It records the relevant period ending on 23rd March 2022.
Class DA Temporary Takeaway Food Page Updated: 22nd September 2026