England Use Classes Order • Sui Generis
Use SG-CINEMA: Sui Generis (Cinema)
Cinemas became Sui Generis in 2020 (no longer D2).
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Jurisdiction and source
This guide covers England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different use-class and permitted-development rules. A use class is not permission for building works or proof that a change is lawful at a particular site.
Use Classes Order — current legislation
Examples
- Cinemas
- Multiplexes
- Theatres (sometimes)
Potential change-of-use routes
No permitted changes are listed in this summary. Check the current rules for the jurisdiction and site before deciding whether permission is required.
Permission and prior-approval checks
None
Design notes
Cultural infrastructure protection in many local plans.
Questions
What is Use Class SG-CINEMA?
Cinemas became Sui Generis in 2020 (no longer D2).
Can I change use without planning permission from Class SG-CINEMA?
No changes are listed in this summary. Check the current rules and site-specific restrictions with the planning authority.
Check use class against your site
Explore available planning constraints for the address, then verify the applicable use class and any restrictions with the planning authority.
Explore planning constraintsReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.
Related
Use E: Class E (Commercial, Business and Service)
Commercial
Use F.1: Class F.1 (Learning and Non-Residential Institutions)
Community
Use F.2: Class F.2 (Local Community)
Community
Use C1: Class C1 (Hotels)
Residential
Use C2: Class C2 (Residential Institutions)
Residential
Use C2A: Class C2A (Secure Residential Institutions)
Residential