Rainham Foodbank

Change of use of a first-floor office to a sui generis use combining a foodbank, worship centre, skills training and counselling services with associated networking. Application granted.

When no use class fits

A foodbank, a worship centre, skills training and counselling services under one roof does not correspond to any single use class. The application therefore had to be made as sui generis — a use of its own.

Sui generis applications are decided on their specific merits, which means the submission has to describe precisely how the premises will operate: who attends, when, how often, how they arrive, and what effect that has on the surrounding area.

Why it was granted

The proposal put an underused first-floor office back into active use, delivering genuine community benefit in an accessible high-street location well served by public transport. Set out clearly, the case for approval was strong — and permission was granted.

Services provided