Policy information sourced from Bexley Core Strategy
Policy CS14 Town centre vitality and viability
The Council will maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of existing town centres (strategic, major district and district) by:
- applying the town centre sequential test and impact assessment to all relevant developments as set out in national and regional policy;
- designating primary shopping areas within each town centre where retail will be safeguarded as the dominant land use;
- promoting a diversification in the mix of town centre uses, including retail, community, leisure, employment, residential, cultural and recreational uses, whilst avoiding an over concentration of any single land use other than retail;
- ensuring that the scale and character of development is appropriate to the town centre’s position within the hierarchy and is of high quality design in keeping with the local context including historic character;
- effectively managing the night time economy in the borough’s town centres including through the development and implementation of Night Vision Strategies where appropriate, with new development supporting the creation of a comfortable, safe, attractive and accessible day and evening environment;
- creating strategies for town centres in future policy documents, such as a development plan document that deals with detailed sites and policies; and
- securing public realm enhancements through the use of town centre investment programmes
In addition, opportunities to enhance the role and contribution of neighbourhood centres will be explored including the encouragement of small, independent shops that provide services to their local communities.
For more information please see the Bexley Core Strategy