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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.
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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