Policy information sourced from Lewisham Development Management Local Plan

DM Policy 13 Location of main town centre uses

The location of main town centre uses needs to be in accordance with Core Strategy Policy 6. For major retail development (over 1,000 square metres), if suitable sites are not available in the major and district centres then edge of centre sites should be considered, followed only then by out-of-centre sites in locations that are accessible by public transport, walking and cycling and are well connected to the town centre.

Proposals for retail provision of 1,000 square metres gross floorspace or more on the edge or outside of the major and district centres will require an impact assessment and will only be considered if the following criteria are satisfied:

  • there is a quantitative and qualitative need for the proposal
  • there are no other sites available in accordance with the sequential test
  • the proposal, either by itself or together with other recently or committed developments, would not demonstrably harm the vitality and viability of an existing shopping centre
  • the proposal is of an appropriate scale in relation to the size of the centre and its role in the hierarchy of centres
  • the proposal is sited so as to reduce the number and length of car journeys and can serve not only car journeys but also those on foot, bicycle or public transport
  • the proposal is not on designated employment land as shown on the Policies Map and for which a demand can be established and
  • if planning permission were to be granted then a planning obligation may be negotiated.

For more information please see the Local Plan