Policy information sourced from Camden Local Plan

E2 Employment Premises and Sites

The Council will encourage the provision of employment premises and sites in the borough. We will protect premises or sites that are suitable for continued business use, in particular premises for small businesses, businesses and services that provide employment for Camden residents and those that support the functioning of the Central Activities Zone (CAZ) or the local economy.

We will resist development of business premises and sites for non-business use unless it is demonstrated to the Council’s satisfaction:

  1. the site or building is no longer suitable for its existing business use; and
  2. that the possibility of retaining, reusing or redeveloping the site or building for similar or alternative type and size of business use has been fully explored over an appropriate period of time.

We will consider higher intensity redevelopment of premises or sites that are suitable for continued business provided that:

  • the level of employment floorspace is increased or at least maintained;
  • the redevelopment retains existing businesses on the site as far as possible, and in particular industry, light industry, and warehouse/logistic uses that support the functioning of the CAZ or the local economy;
  • it is demonstrated to the Council’s satisfaction that any relocation of businesses supporting the CAZ or the local economy will not cause harm to CAZ functions or Camden’s local economy and will be to a sustainable location;
  • the proposed premises include floorspace suitable for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, such as managed affordable workspace where viable;
  • the scheme would increase employment opportunities for local residents, including training and apprenticeships;
  • the scheme includes other priority uses, such as housing, affordable housing and open space, where relevant, and where this would not prejudice the continued operation of businesses on the site; and
  • for larger employment sites, any redevelopment is part of a comprehensive scheme.

Hatton Garden

The Council will seek to secure and retain premises suitable for use as jewellery workshops and related uses in Hatton Garden. We will also resist development of business premises and sites for a non-business use.

Where the applicant can demonstrate criterion 1. and 2. above we will expect the proposals to provide a mix of uses that include premises suitable for use as jewellery workshops.

We will consider redevelopment of premises or sites that are suitable for continued jewellery workshops provided that:

  • the level of jewellery workshop space is increased or at least maintained;
  • the redevelopment retains existing businesses on the site as far as possible; and
  • the relocation of businesses will not cause harm to CAZ functions or Camden’s local economy.

Where proposals in Hatton Garden would increase total gross internal floorspace by more than 200sqm, we will seek 50% of the additional floorspace as affordable premises suitable for the jewellery sector.

For more information please see the Local Plan