Policy information sourced from Barking and Dagenham Borough Wide Development Policies DPD

POLICY BC9: LIVE-WORK UNITS

The provision of live-work accommodation within the Borough is encouraged providing that the following criteria are complied with:

  • The nature and scale of the proposed work space will not undermine the character or amenity of the surrounding area.
  • The introduction of residential uses within safeguarded employment areas complies with Core Strategy employment policies and does not prejudice or limit current or future employment provision.
  • No more than two bedrooms should be included in each unit as live-work uses are not considered suitable for family accommodation, particularly within a defined employment area.
  • Where live-work units are to be located close to B2 industrial uses particular care will be needed to ensure an acceptable level of residential amenity for the occupants of the development.
  • Live-work units should comply with the internal space standards set out in Policy BP6, as well as providing a reasonable area of definable 40 functional workspace; each live-work unit will have a purpose built employment generating floorspace with a capacity for a number of employees and should not simply include operations which can take place within a normal dwelling without the need for planning permission.
  • Provision should be made for the proper servicing and sufficient floor loading for each unit (including goods lifts to upper floors). Within conversion schemes provision should also be made for adequate servicing and any existing service facilities should be retained and re-used.
  • Live-work units should have access to external amenity space.

To ensure that live-work unites are used as intended, the Council will attach planning conditions/legal agreements to the planning permission.

For more information please see the Borough Wide Development Policies DPD