How To Get Planning Permission For a Nail Bar & Beauty Salon in the UK

Introduction

Are you wondering whether you need planning permission in England to set up a nail salon, offer beauty treatments, establish a tanning salon, or provide Thai massage and spa services? While this question may initially seem straightforward, it’s far from it. In the following blog post, we’ll explore the intricacies of this matter and shed light on why certain councils may require you to undergo the planning application process for these activities.

 

WHAT ARE “USE CLASS-E” AND “SUI-GENERIS” AND WHY WERE THEY INTRODUCED

Planning isn’t limited to the physical aspects of construction, such as building new structures or expanding existing ones. It also encompasses the regulation of how land and buildings are utilized, thanks to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, which has seen amendments over time. This order is designed to group common land and building uses into categories known as Use Classes. These classes are a way of simplifying the planning process by considering similar uses within each class as being alike in terms of their planning considerations. In the UK, Use Class E and “sui generis” are two important categories within the planning classification system. Use Class E, introduced in 2020, represents a significant departure from traditional use classes, combining various commercial, business, and service-related activities under one umbrella. This class includes a wide range of uses, such as shops, offices, restaurants, gyms, and medical centres, providing greater flexibility for property owners and businesses to adapt their spaces to changing needs. On the other hand, “sui generis” is a Latin term meaning “of its own kind.” In the context of planning classes, “sui generis” is used to classify uses that do not fit neatly into any standard use class. These establishments have distinct characteristics that set them apart and often require special consideration and approval due to their potential impact on the surrounding area. Understanding these planning classes is crucial for property developers and business owners navigating the complex world of UK planning regulations.

Sui generis uses typically distinguish themselves from other use classes based on various factors like noise, odour, chemicals, waste, and especially in the case of non-traditional high street retail activities. As a result, they require special consideration and treatment when pursuing a planning application

What is The Case With Nail Salons?

The tricky part of the beauty establishments in general with the permissions is the vagueness of the Use Class they are in. In some councils they are considered as sui generis while some councils can still accept Class E for some of the beauty establishments such as nail bars, beauty salons and hairdressers. In many cases nail bars are seen as “sui generis” due to the odours and use of chemicals in the spaces.

But What If A Business Includes More Than One Service?

The answer depends, once again, on the primary activity. For instance, if a business primarily focuses on hairdressing with a nail bar as a secondary offering, it can be classified and approved under Class E. However, this is contingent on the condition that the secondary business does not overshadow the primary one.

What Are The Potential Outcomes If you Procees With Establishing Your New Business Without Permission or Consultation?

The outcome can vary depending on the council. For example, if the business is already established, a retrospective application for a ‘change of use’ may need to be initiated, especially if it is classified as ‘sui generis’ according to the council regulations for the site. However, there is a possibility that the application could be denied, potentially leading to the closure of the business. It can also depend on the type of business that is going to take place at the site. Let’s look at two examples from the same council.
 
In St. Strutton Ground, Westminster, an application for a hairdresser/nail bar was refused in 2017 with the reason that it ‘would harm the retail character and function of the Local Shopping Centre.’ However, in another application that took place in Abbey Road in April 2023, permission was granted for a change of use from Optician (Use Class E) to a nail bar.
Policies of councils and location of the establishment also plays a significant role in the decision process. Especially if the application is “retrospective” and is on a historical area or in a small town, councils often aims to protect the “existing urban & historical texture” on the site and may reject the application. 
 

What Should Be Done?

The safest option would be knowing the council’s opinion before submitting an application and there are a few ways to do it. You can apply for a certificate of lawfulness, get a pre-application advice or get someone from the planning department to tell you about the council’s stand, which is a rare occasion. The best way might be the certificate of lawfulness since it is cheaper than the pre-application advice.

For any kind of planning application, especially with the tricky ones like nail bars, consultation is highly recommended since they guide you and help you prepare everything needed for the process.

In conclusion, we, at “Se&Se Consultancy,” are glad to be your preferred choice for all types of planning applications. Our extensive expertise, unwavering commitment to excellence, and a proven track record of successfully handling applications across various sectors make us a trusted partner in navigating the often complex world of planning and development. With “Se&Se Consultancy,” you can streamline the application process and maximize your chances of achieving your desired outcomes. Place your trust in our experience and dedication, and you’ll find in us a valuable ally in realizing your project’s vision.

 

 

The Benefits of Professional Support

Working with a professional planning application agent can greatly increase your chances of approval by providing expert advice and guidance throughout the application process. Some of the benefits of professional support include:

  • In-depth analysis of the site and surrounding area
  • Preparation of comprehensive plans and documents
  • Expert knowledge of local regulations and guidelines
  • Assistance with addressing any concerns or objections
  • Efficient and streamlined application process

Our Approach to Maximizing Your Chances of Approval

We take a comprehensive and detail-oriented approach to planning applications. Our goal is to ensure that the application process is as smooth and successful as possible. To achieve this, continuously update ourselves with the latest policies and regulations and maintain strong communication with the local authorities.

We believe that success in a planning application starts with thorough preparation. Our approach involves compiling all necessary documents, including full plans, design and access statements, and cover letters, to demonstrate our readiness to collaborate with the local authorities. This preparation helps us establish productive communication with the authorities and address any potential objections from the start.

Our support and follow-up during the consultation period is second to none. We offer constant guidance and support through phone calls and addressing any objections that may arise. This helps us understand the officer’s position and react accordingly.

We aim to present all aspects of the proposal in the most effective way, including the writing of a Design and Access Statement (DAS) even if it is not necessary. We also provide additional support with shadow analysis, street scene plans, 3D designs, and any other relevant documents as necessary, ensuring a thorough consideration of the proposal.

You can find more information about our comprehensive supporting documents services on our website at https://www.seandse.co.uk/other-services/supporting-document/

We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and strong communication between our agents and customers. We are confident that we can provide the guidance you need to get the results you desire.

Whether you have questions about the process, need advice on the best approach, or would like to discuss your project in more detail, our friendly team is always ready to help and answer any questions you may have. With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge about local regulations and guidelines, we are confident that we can provide you with the support you need to successfully navigate the planning application process.

Our free appraisal service is designed to help you understand your chances of success in the planning application process. So don’t hesitate to get in touch today!

DISCLAIMER: There are numerous caveats and restrictions. Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations.A comprehensive review would be required for certainty. The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.

Please contact us for further information and a more detailed assessment. If you are in any doubt, you should contact your Local Authority before undertaking any work. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and detailed, Se & Se Consultancy Ltd. makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy with respect to information of any kind without a detailed assessment and/or Local Authority confirmation.

Se & Se Consultancy Ltd. 2023 |
Planning and Architectural Specialists

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