Use Class F1 – Learning and non-residential institutions

Use Class F1 of the Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended) was introduced on 1st September 2020 and covers some of the former use classes of D1 (non-residential institutions).

The full description is for any use not including residential use –
a) the provision of education, 
b) for the display of works of art (otherwise than for sale or hire),
c) as a museum
d) as a public library or public reading room,
e) as a public hall or exhibition hall,
f) for, or in connection with, public worship or religious instruction
g) as a law court

The Use Class Order 2020 was an update to the Use Class Order 1987 and the changes are summarised here.

Permitted development changes for Use Class F1

Routes into F1 include:

• Class D, which can allow a qualifying building and land to move temporarily from specified commercial or sui generis uses to specified cultural and community uses, subject to the current 150m² limit, notification requirements and three-year period
• Class T, which can permanently change certain C1, C2 and C2A buildings to a state-funded school or registered nursery, subject to its limitations, conditions and prior approval

Temporary school use: Class C can permit a qualifying building to be used temporarily as a state-funded school for a single period of up to two academic years, subject to its own starting-use and procedural requirements.

There is no general permanent permitted development right allowing every F1 use to change to another class. Check whether a specific right applies; otherwise planning permission will normally be required.

Examples for Use Class F1

Class F1 includes non-residential education, museums, displays of art other than for sale or hire, public libraries and reading rooms, public and exhibition halls, public worship or religious instruction and law courts. A hall or meeting place used principally by the local community may instead fall within Class F2(b), so the actual character of the use matters.

Use Class F1 Page Updated: 24th August 2026

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