Policy information sourced from the Epsom & Ewell Development Management Policies Document
DM 28 Existing Retail Centres (Outside of Epsom Town Centre)
We will protect existing retail centres by:
- retaining existing shopping frontages in the Shopping Centres (as identified in the Site Allocations Policies Document and on the Proposals Map) predominantly for retail use, so that they continue to provide locally accessible goods and services and employment opportunities of a suitable scale for the size of the centre and or catchment area. Proposals for changes of use that threaten the predominance of A1 uses will be resisted; and
- supporting local shops and resisting their loss (particularly convenience shops) in Local Centres.
Unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated, development at ground floor level should not lead to an over proliferation of non-retail use, namely those comprising Class A2, A3, A4 or A5 uses. The overall percentage of A1 retail uses should not fall below 50% of the total shopping units within the shopping centre.
Along identified Primary Retail Frontages, the percentage of A1 units will not fall below 66%. The Council will actively encourage a higher proportion of A1 uses along these frontages. Uses other than the A1, A2 and A3 uses, as identified by the Use Classes Order, will not be permitted in Primary Retail Frontages.
In shopping centres non A use classes will not normally be permitted at ground floor level, although development for community uses and sui generis uses with a strong retail element will be permitted provided that such uses meet objectives a) and b) above.
Where it is practical and viable we will encourage the introduction of pop-up shops and other appropriate temporary uses within retail centres in order to support their long-term vitality and viability.
Where it has been demonstrated that environmental or amenity impacts prevent residential use, A2, B1 (a) and other non-commercial uses may be acceptable at first floor level or above.
For more information please see the Epsom & Ewell Management Policies Document