I have a hypothetical situation where an application comes in for a change of use from say an A1 premises to an A3 cafe. The application is for change of use only and includes no proposed physical changes to the building, with the exception of a small extraction flue to the rear. Where the change of use in itself is acceptable, but where the existing shop or business frontage has poor design and / or is in poor condition, would a planning authority be justified in applying a condition, requiring a scheme for the improvement of the shop front to be submitted and approved, prior to the change of use being implemented? Essentially the condition would be used to ensure that the proposed development would meet all the relevant development plan policies, including those relating to design. I wonder if anyone has experience of a similar situation and / or whether they have an opinion on whether such a condition be likely to stand up at appeal?
