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Proposed Use Class C5 – Short-Term Lets in England
In April 2023 the Government consulted on a proposed new use class for short-term lets, together with permitted development rights intended to provide flexibility where local impacts did not justify tighter control. You can read the 2023 consultation.
The proposal would require an amendment to the Use Classes Order and separate changes to the GPDO. Neither change should be treated as law until the implementing legislation is made and brought into force.
The 2023 consultation proposed the label Class C5 – Short Term Let and proposed associated permitted development rights. However, no amendment introducing an English C5 use class is currently in force, so C5 must still be treated as a proposal rather than an existing English use class.
A separate mandatory national registration scheme for short-term lets is expected to begin in 2026, but current GOV.UK guidance confirms that the register is not yet in force. No implementing legislation or commencement date for an English C5 planning use class has been published.
As at 25th August 2026, Class C5 remains a proposal in England and is not a current use class.
Until secondary legislation is made, short-term letting in England continues to be assessed under the existing planning framework, including whether a material change of use has occurred as a matter of fact and degree.
For the current practical position, including C1, C3 and sui generis outcomes, use the Use Class Directory as a starting point and assess the actual operation.
Wales is different: since October 2022, C5 is used for second homes and C6 for short-term lets. This page deals with England only.
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Could a future C5 permitted development right be removed?
If an English C5 use class is introduced with an accompanying permitted development right, local authorities may be able to remove that right through an Article 4 direction where the legal and policy tests are met. The precise mechanism will depend on the legislation eventually made.
Permitted Development Changes for Use Class C5
No C5 permitted development right is currently in force in England. The 2023 consultation proposed rights between C3 and the proposed new C5 class, but the final details await legislation.
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Examples for Use Class C5
C5 is not currently in force in England. The 2023 consultation proposed that it would cover the use of a dwellinghouse that is not a sole or main residence for temporary sleeping accommodation for holiday, leisure, recreation, business or other travel.
Proposed Use Class C5 Page Updated: 25th August 2026
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