Uber Faces Challenges Establishing Operations in Northern Lincolnshire

Taxi firm Uber’s efforts to establish an operating center in northern Lincolnshire have hit a roadblock. The company sought to repurpose Humberston’s McCue House, a two-story building on Wilton Road, into an operations base. However, North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning department has refused the application, citing legal classification issues.

Uber Britannia Ltd applied for a "certificate of lawfulness," which would allow the change without requiring full planning permission.

Council Decision and Legal Grounds

McCue House, currently classified under "Class E" business use, was proposed for conversion into an Uber operating center. The council determined this change would fall under "sui generis," a unique use category that mandates full planning permission. As a result, the application was refused, halting Uber’s immediate plans.

Uber's Presence in the Region

Uber began operating in Hull in 2023 but has yet to expand into northern Lincolnshire. Its plans to establish local offices were seen as a step toward expanding its footprint in the area.

Uber has been contacted for comments on whether it will submit a full planning application or consider alternative options.