Policy information sourced from the Bexley Local Plan

DP7: Appropriate uses within designated industrial areas

  1. Two types of industrial land are designated in the borough: a. Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL); and b. Locally Significant Industrial Sites (LSIS).
  2. In designated Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL) and Locally Significant Industrial Sites (LSIS), as identified on the Policies Map, the following use classes for industrial type activities and related functions, including ancillary facilities, will be permitted and safeguarded:
    • Class B2 and B8
    • Class E(g)(ii) and E(g)(iii), where the permitted function cannot change to any other E use class
  3. Proposals for sui generis industrial uses will usually be permitted in designated industrial areas, provided that the use does not impede the effective operation of other nearby businesses. Sui generis uses that can have a detrimental effect on amenity, such as waste facilities or disposal installations, are not considered an appropriate use within LSIS, which is often located adjacent to residential areas.
  4. In designated industrial locations, development proposals should where possible seek to intensify, renew and modernise business uses, including the assembly of land to achieve this.
  5. Development proposals should not result in a net loss of existing industrial floor space for Class E(g)(ii), E(g)(iii), B2 and B8 uses in all designated industrial locations. Co-location with non-industrial uses will be considered on LSIS provided the principle of no net loss of existing industrial floor space is achieved.
  6. Non-designated industrial sites should be assessed in line with criteria set out in London Plan policies, particularly E4 and E7
  7. The SIL at Crossness Sewage Treatment Works is safeguarded for its strategic utilities infrastructure use and its operational land identified on the Policies Map.
  8. In the Foots Cray Business Area, development proposals for existing E(g)(i) offices will only be permitted to change use to other suitable business uses (where not covered by permitted development rights).

Non-conforming uses

  1. Extensions, alterations, intensification or any other form of development for existing non-industrial uses on designated industrial land will not be supported.

Temporary uses

  1. The Council will support the temporary occupation of empty buildings and cleared sites by temporary uses for a period that should not normally exceed three years, where they contribute to regeneration; enhance the character and vitality of the area; and, where they do not harm the operation of the remainder of the estate.

For more information please see the Bexley Local Plan