The Use Class A3
Food and Drink is defined in the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 as "Use for the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises or of hot food for consumption off the premises". The broad definition would include public houses, bars, hot food takeaways, cafes, restaurants and coffee houses.
In recent years there has been a considerable increase in the number of food and drink premises (A3 uses) in the city centre and in the district and local centres. While such uses meet a clearly identified need and can contribute to the vitality and viability of centres, there can be concerns about their impact on amenity. Concerns have been raised that in some parts of the city there are now too many A3 uses. This Supplementary Planning Guidance examines the issues and puts forward guidelines which are designed to balance the need to provide for A3 uses with considerations of amenity and maintaining the retail function of town, district and local centres.
This Supplementary Planning Guidance -
Guidelines for Class A3 Uses in Local, District and Town Centres - was approved by the City Council's Cabinet on 7 April 2003.
You can view the Supplementary Planning Guidance using Acrobat Reader, by clicking the attachment at the bottom of this page.
Copies are also available from the Planning Policy and Design Group. If you would like a copy, or if you have any queries regarding this document, please
contact Planning Policy and Design .
