Use Classes Order timeline: 1948 to the current system

The Use Classes Order has been around since 1948. This timeline will take you through the history of the Use Classes order.

We have a similar page for the timeline of the GPDO.

A note on the older Orders: these pages reproduce historic statutory language. Some terminology used in the 1948, 1950, 1963 and 1972 instruments is outdated and would not be used in modern legislation, but it is retained where necessary to show what the law actually said at the time.

1948: the first Use Classes Order

The 1948 Order introduced the first national grouping of uses for England and Wales. Its 22 classes look very different from the modern system. Read the 1948 Use Classes Order guide.

1950: a wider and shorter set of classes

The 1950 Order revoked the 1948 Order and combined several categories, allowing a broader range of changes within the same class. Read the 1950 Use Classes Order guide.

1963: consolidation after the 1960 amendments

The 1963 Order consolidated the 1950 regime and the 1960 amendments, carrying forward newer treatment of motor-vehicle sales and betting offices. Read the 1963 Use Classes Order guide.

1972: shops, leisure and industry reorganised

The 1972 Order removed cafés, restaurants and launderettes from the shop definition, widened the hot-food exclusion and reorganised several industrial and leisure classes. Read the 1972 Use Classes Order guide.

1987: the principal Order still used today

The 1987 Order introduced the familiar lettered Parts A, B, C and D. It remains the principal Use Classes Order, although England has amended it extensively. Read the 1987 Use Classes Order guide.

2020: England creates Classes E, F1 and F2

The 2020 Regulations amended the 1987 Order for England. They revoked Parts A and D, omitted B1, created Classes E, F1 and F2, and moved several uses outside the defined classes. Read the 2020 Use Classes amendment guide.

The current position in England and Wales

The 1987 Order initially applied across England and Wales, but the systems diverged after devolution. Wales made its own amendments from 2002, while the major 2020 restructuring applied only to England. Historic wording can explain an older permission or lawful use, but it should not be used as a shortcut to the current class. For the law now applying in England, return to the Planning Use Classes section or use the Use Classes Index.

Use Classes Order Timeline Page Updated: 25th August 2026

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