Policy information sourced from the Islington Local Plan
R7 Markets and specialist shopping areas
- The Council will seek to maintain, and support the enhancement of, existing markets within the borough.
- New markets are encouraged in Town Centres and appropriate locations in the CAZ, where they support and enhance the function of a specific locality and do not adversely impact any predominant ‘bricks-and-mortar’ based uses.
- The Council will continue to protect and promote the role of Specialist Shopping Areas at Camden Passage and Fonthill Road. Proposals should not result in the percentage of retail uses in the Specialist Shopping Areas falling below 75%. Proposals for change of use from E use to non-E main town centre uses must demonstrate that the premises have been vacant for a continuous period of at least two years. Continuous marketing evidence to cover this period must be provided, to demonstrate that there is no reasonable prospect of the unit being used for continued retail use or other E class leisure uses which would complement the specialist shopping function. Marketing in SSAs must follow the requirements set out in Appendix 1.
- In order to not diminish their unique function and character, proposals for the change of use from main town centre uses to residential of any part of the premises, including upper floors or ancillary space, will be required to demonstrate that the premises have been vacant for a continuous period of at least two years. Continuous marketing evidence to cover this period must be provided, to demonstrate that there is no reasonable prospect of the unit being used for retail use, Class E or other appropriate supporting main Town Centre uses, in line with Appendix 1.
- Regardless of the resulting percentage of retail uses, proposals that result in the partial loss of retail floorspace (including ancillary floorspace) in Specialist Shopping Areas must demonstrate that the loss will not undermine the effective operation of the retail unit and/or collectively undermine the function of the Specialist Shopping Area.
- Any individual or cumulative impacts on the vitality, viability, character, vibrancy and predominantly retail function of the Specialist Shopping Area should be prevented and/or mitigated.
For more information please see the Islington Local Plan