The UCO 1987 was made by the Secretary of State under authority granted by sections 22 and 287 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, which have subsequently been replaced by sections 55 and 333 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The UCO 1987 revoked The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972, which was the previous version of the legislation.

Since it came into force, the UCO 1987 has been amended by a number of subsequent Statutory Instruments.

In 1999, the functions of the Secretary of State under various sections of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (including sections 55 and 333), so far as exercisable in relation to Wales, were transferred to the National Assembly for Wales.

With respect to England, the Planning Portal website provides a page that summarises the Use Classes.

[2] With respect to England, the Planning Jungle website states that the UCO 1987 has been amended by a total of 14 subsequent Statutory Instruments.

[3] The website www.legislation.gov.uk, which is delivered by the National Archives, provides the original ("as made") version of the UCO 1987, but states that UK Statutory Instruments are not carried in their "revised" form on the website.

The following table shows the Use Classes in relation to England in their "revised" form, as summarised on the Planning Portal website.

This table also shows the permitted changes of use (in relation to England) from Schedule 2 Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (note: some of these permitted changes of use require an application for prior approval to be submitted to the local planning authority).

Permitted change from agricultural building to state-funded school or registered nursery.

Permitted change from drinking establishment with expanded food provision to A4.

Permitted change from pay day loan shop to A1 & up to 2 flats.

Permitted change from pay day loan shop to A2 & up to 2 flats.

Permitted change from pay day loan shop & dwellinghouse to C3.

Permitted change from pay day loan shop & up to 2 flats to A1.

Permitted change from pay day loan shop & up to 2 flats to A2.