Policy information sourced from the Islington Local Plan

R4 Local Shopping Areas

  • All proposals must maintain and enhance the retail and service function of the Local Shopping Areas (shown in Figure 4.6 and on the Policies Map).
  • Proposals involving the change of use from E – including ground floor, basement and first floor space - to non-E main town centre use must demonstrate that:
    1. the premises have been vacant for a continuous period of at least six months and continuous marketing evidence to cover this period has been provided which demonstrates that there is no reasonable prospect of the unit being used in its current E use in line with requirements in Appendix 1;
    2. there would not be a significant adverse effect on amenity, particularly the surrounding residential amenity; and
    3. the proposal does not cause any individual or cumulative adverse impact on the vitality, viability, character, vibrancy and function of the area.
  • Development of main town centre uses over 200sqm must meet the requirements in Policy R3 Part E.
  • Applications for the change of use of Class E and/or Sui Generis main Town Centre use floorspace to residential use and/or a use other than those specified in Part B must:
    1. demonstrate that the premises have been vacant for a continuous period of at least two years and continuous marketing evidence to cover this period has been provided, which demonstrates that there is no reasonable prospect of the unit being used in its current use and any other use which could reasonably be assumed to occupy the premises;
    2. prevent/mitigate any individual or cumulative impact on the vitality, viability, character, vibrancy and function of the area;
    3. comply with the ‘agent-of-change’ principle consistent with Policy DH5;
    4. not create a harmful break in the active frontage of the Local Shopping Area;
    5. ensure that access to the proposed residential use does not affect the operation of any continued main Town Centre use floorspace or impact on the street scene and the provision of an active frontage, especially where the loss of floorspace is proposed to facilitate access; and
    6. provide high quality dwellings with a high standard of residential amenity, consistent with other policies relating to housing standards, design, accessibility and sustainability.
  • Any applications for new residential uses in a Local Shopping Area not involving change of use of existing main Town Centre uses must be located on upper floors. Proposals must address criteria set out in Part D (ii), (iii), (v ), and (vi) of Policy R4.

For more information please see the Islington Local Plan