Class C2A — Secure Residential Institutions
Class C2A covers secure residential institutions where individuals are detained — primarily prisons, young offender institutions, immigration removal centres, and secure psychiatric hospitals. It was created as a distinct use class to reflect the very different planning, security, and community considerations that apply compared to ordinary residential institutions (C2). New C2A facilities are typically major applications requiring detailed assessment.
Examples of Class C2A Uses
Prisons and category A–D prisons |
Young offender institutions |
Immigration removal and detention centres |
Secure psychiatric hospitals (high, medium, and low security) |
Secure training centres for young people |
Secure children's homes |
Change of Use Rules
Any change of use to C2A from another use class requires full planning permission.
Any change of use from C2A to another use class (including C2 or C3) requires full planning permission.
C2A facilities are often subject to Environmental Impact Assessment due to their scale and community impact.
New secure facilities may be classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure, requiring Secretary of State approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to make a change of use application?
Find out what you need to submit and how much it costs.
Other Use Classes
Commercial, Business and Service
Class F.1Learning and Non-Residential Institutions
Class F.2Local Community Use
Class C1Hotels
Class C2Residential Institutions
Class C3Dwellinghouses