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

POLICY BE1: PROTECTION OF RETAIL USES

Proposals for a change of use from A1 uses along protected shopping frontages (both primary and secondary) should demonstrate that they comply with the following:

Barking Town Centre

In Barking Town Centre, a maximum of 15% of the measured primary shopping frontages and 30% of the measured secondary shopping frontages will be permitted for A2-A5 uses. The shopping frontages are defined in the Barking Town Centre Area Action Plan

District Centres

In District Centres, a maximum of 30% of the measured primary shopping frontages and 60% of the measured secondary shopping frontages will be permitted for A2-A5 uses. The shopping frontages are defined in the Site Specific Allocations DPD.

Neighbourhood Centres

In Neighbourhood Centres, A2-A5 uses are restricted to a maximum of 35% of the measured frontage (as defined in the Site Specific Allocations DPD).

Exceptions

Exceptions may be made to this policy where it can be shown that the A1 unit in question is no longer viable for retail purposes (and there is no reasonable prospect of reuse) despite attempts (over at least 12 months) to market it at values prevailing in the centre. The alternative use must demonstrate that a local need exists for the proposed alternative use. Community uses will, generally, be considered favourably.

Hot Food Take Aways

In relation to all retail centre classifications, hot food takeaways (A5 Use Class) are restricted to a maximum of 15% of the measured frontage. Basis for Calculations All % calculations will be based on measured frontage. The % is based on both:

  • the proportion of non-A1 uses in each identified primary or secondary frontage; and
  • the proportion of non-A1 uses across the entire primary frontages secondary frontages or neighbourhood frontages in question.

For Neighbourhood Centres, the % calculation is solely based on the proportion of non-A1 uses in the entire neighbourhood shopping area.

The location and proposed boundaries of the Major, District and Neighbourhood Centres and the primary and secondary shopping frontages within them will be detailed in the forthcoming Barking Town Centre Area Action Plan DPD and the Site Specific Allocations DPD, and will be shown on the Proposals Map.

Particular emphasis will be placed on retaining shops selling fresh fruit and vegetables and the provision of farmers’ markets and new shops selling fresh fruit and vegetables.

For more information please see the Borough Wide Development Policies DPD