Successful change of use of a dance studio into an open Class E use

Bloomfields recently supported a client who owned a dance studio in Maidstone. The building had originally been converted from a retail unit into a dance studio after receiving planning permission in 2014.

However, during the COVID pandemic the dance studio business became increasingly difficult to sustain, and the client was struggling to keep it viable. As a result, they began exploring alternative uses for the building, including the possibility of converting it into a veterinary practice.

The client had attempted to seek permission in 2024 to convert the building into a veterinary use, however this application was refused under delegated powers. As such, they instructed Bloomfields to obtain planning permission on their behalf. We therefore prepared a new planning application seeking permission for an open Class E use (excluding restaurant or takeaway uses). This approach would allow the building to be used for a range of suitable commercial purposes, also providing greater flexibility for the future.

As part of the application, we also prepared a brief business appraisal demonstrating that the dance studio use was no longer financially viable and that, without a new use, the building risked falling into disrepair.

Maidstone Borough Council approved the application in late 2025, allowing the property to be reused for a viable business and securing its long-term future.