This should hopefully be an easy question for UK hostel owners - which property use class would hostels fall under in the UK? I think they should be Class C1, but could fall into Sui generis. I'm a little confused by the descriptions on the UK Planning Portal:
C1 Hotels - Hotels, boarding and guest houses where no significant element of care is provided (excludes hostels).
Sui Generis - Certain uses do not fall within any use class and are considered 'sui generis'. Such uses include: theatres, houses in multiple occupation, hostels providing no significant element of care, scrap yards. Petrol filling stations and shops selling and/or displaying motor vehicles. Retail warehouse clubs, nightclubs, launderettes, taxi businesses, amusement centres and casinos.
Also, if the hostel also includes a bar or restaurant/cafe, would you be expected to also have A3 and A4 use:
A3 Restaurants and cafés - For the sale of food and drink for consumption on the premises - restaurants, snack bars and cafes.
A4 Drinking establishments - Public houses, wine bars or other drinking establishments (but not night clubs).
Has anyone had experience of applying to have the use class changed from other commercial or residential classes to one you can use for a hostel? Any hints or tips?
Thanks in advance for the help!
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