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Class C3

Class C3 — Dwellinghouses

Class C3 is one of the most important use classes — it covers ordinary dwellinghouses used by a single person or family, or by up to six people living together as a single household. This is the standard residential use class for houses and flats.

Examples of Class C3 Uses

Houses (detached, semi-detached, terraced)
Flats and apartments
Maisonettes
Bungalows
Converted residential buildings
Up to 6 people living as a single household (e.g. house share)

Change of Use Rules

1

Change from Class E to C3 may be possible via prior approval (Class MA PD right).

2

Change from C3 to HMO (Class C4, 3–6 persons) is permitted development in most areas — but many councils have removed this right via Article 4 Directions.

3

Change from C3 to C4 (HMO) in Article 4 areas requires full planning permission.

4

Subdivision of a single house into flats (multiple C3 units) requires planning permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need to make a change of use application?

Find out what you need to submit and how much it costs.

Change of Use Guide →Fee Calculator

Other Use Classes

Class E

Commercial, Business and Service

Class F.1

Learning and Non-Residential Institutions

Class F.2

Local Community Use

Class C1

Hotels

Class C2

Residential Institutions

Class C4

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

View all use classes →