I made enquiries to the council about an office building which we were hoping to relocate to. Our present office is in a Converted Bus Depot, which houses various diverse businesses including two taxi firms (both long established in the town). It is directly across from a housing estate, and has another one to the side of it. There was no objection to either Taxi Booking Office from any residents.
The proposed office is in another converted building in an Industrial Area. No houses for over half a mile, no pubs, clubs or similar for at least a mile in any direction. Perfect as we didn't want walk in trade. They cite the original planning application was granted to the converted building as Class 4 use, under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (use classes) (Scotland) Order 1997 "Business"*
They go on to say "A taxi business is a sui generis use under the terms of the order, not falling into any use class". Planning permission is required to change to a sui generis use. As planning permission specifically restricts the use of the building to class 4 uses. I must advise you that planning permission to change part of the building to a taxi business is not likely to be granted. Should you wish to apply, however, you would need to provide a supporting statement which proposes to justify a change of use in this case.
Question is, as we have recognised the office as being best suited to our needs, and as the owners of the building have no objection to our occupying the same, should we go ahead and submit an application and hope for common-sense to prevail or should we just look elsewhere?
BTW they granted class 4 use to a radio station (possibly for two way radio)on the new business park next to the conversion. Would this help or hinder our cause?
*
http://www.oqps.gov.uk/legislation/uk/s ... 73061_en_1
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