Thinking of setting up a wedding venue in France? Arthur Cutler runs through some of the planning issues to consider
In France, control over the planning process is, in principle, devolved to a local level, with communes having the right to decide what’s permitted within their borders. In the absence of local regulations, a national framework exists. Those thinking of converting a property into a wedding venue or similar need to be aware of these with regards to gaining planning permission.
Suffice to say that planning is required for any change to an existing building – even more so where a property is to be used for activities that are open to the public. The process is not straightforward, and a successful outcome is certainly not guaranteed.
LOCAL REGULATIONS
There are a number of different ‘models’ in use for local regulations, with each version existing to control planning matters within the commune. The more usual ones are the PLU (plan local d’urbanisme) and the CC (carte communale).
The first of these is the most detailed version and will place every plot of land and property in a commune into one or more planning zones, ranging from agricultural to industrial, and parkland to residential. Each zone has a set of rules defining what can or can’t be done, taking account of an overall plan set by the commune for development of the area.
The carte communale is a much simpler document, but has the same overall aims. In many cases, local plans specifically exclude the use of land for certain purposes, so it is imperative that regulations are checked to ensure the project is feasible if you are buying a property in order to set up this type of business.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS
These apply anywhere not covered by a local regulatory framework. Known as RNU in France (règlement national d’urbanisme), they are used to control all building and development in any given area or commune. Planning decisions resulting from applications where RNU applies will be based on issues such as existing land use in the immediate vicinity, size of development, noise, public health and safety, architectural style etc, but most important is the proximity of the land to the built-up area of the town or village. The further from the centre, the more likely it is that the property will be in the ‘agricultural’ zone, and the harder it will be to obtain permission for leisure or commercial development.
BEFORE YOU BUY
If you’re buying a property to set up a wedding venue (or any other similar business – event or conference and so on), there are some simple questions to ask yourself before you proceed with the purchase.
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