11c and 11d, Brackley Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6DH

described as: an art exhibition space, where I teach students art and display artworks for sale. Members of the public will be able to visit the exhibition space by appointment and o n regular open days. The proposal is not for a full time retail shop, but for occasional retail sales. I plan to hold private view events in the early evening on Fridays, from 18.00 to 20.00

Authority: West Northamptonshire
Appeal type: ldc · Lawful Development Certificate
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: other · Major offices/R&D/light industry
Inspector: Hanson S

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the council's decision to refuse to issue a certificate of lawful use or development was well-founded, turning on whether an art exhibition space where teaching takes place and artwork is displayed and sold would be lawful given the previous use of the premises

What decided it

The proposed use, as described in the application form, constitutes a mixed use (art gallery, educational, and retail) which is sui generis, and there is no permitted development right allowing change from Class E offices to a sui generis use, therefore express planning permission would be required.

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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