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Thinking of setting up a wedding venue in France? Arthur Cutler runs through some of the planning issues to consider
I
n 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. Suffi ce 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 diff erent ‘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 fi rst 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 defi ning 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 specifi cally 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
60 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: November/December 2023
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. Would I buy the property if permission for the activity was not granted? If so, then it is imperative to include a condition in the purchase contract that you will only proceed if permission is granted prior to completion. This can either be a CU (see below), or detailed permission, depending on your requirements, but it also depends on what the vendor is prepared to accept! Most are happy with a condition for outline permission, but not all will take the same view for full permission. What drainage facilities exist – mains, or will the project need a septic tank system of some kind? Planning applications require proof that an adequate waste-treatment system will be installed, and the cost of this needs to be factored into your fi nancial considerations. And the more guests, the greater the volume of any septic system. What facilities will you off er? Accommodation as well as a wedding venue? How many rooms? A restaurant and bar? Camping? All these things make a diff erence to the consents needed, but also the process to be followed and relevant licenses etc. Access? It is imperative that adequate vehicular access is available, together with suffi cient turning space for emergency services to enter and leave the site. Parking? Adequate parking is likely to be required, which may involve carrying out an impact assessment. ERP regulations? Where a building is open to visitors,
The more romantic the property, the more likely its success as a wedding venue
© SHUTTERSTOCK
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