Policy information sourced from the Lewisham Local Plan
EC12 Town centre network and hierarchy
Strategic Objectives:
A An open Lewisham as part of an open London,
C A thriving local economy that tackles inequalities,
F Celebrating our local identity.
A Development proposals must support and reinforce Lewisham’s town centre network and hierarchy. They must demonstrate how the development will maintain and enhance town centre vitality and viability commensurate with the role and function of the centre, in accordance with Table 8.2, along with responding positively to its distinctive character.
B A ‘town centres first’ approach will be used to assess development proposals for main town centre uses, in line with the London Plan and the NPPF. The Sequential Test will be applied to ensure that main town centre uses are directed to locations within town centres or, if no suitable town centre sites are available or expected to become available within a reasonable period, to appropriate edge-of-centre locations.
C The Sequential Test will not apply to Class F1 learning and nonresidential institutions and Class F2 local community uses, however development proposals for these uses are encouraged to locate in town centres and other well-connected areas.
D Development proposals for new main town centre uses in out-ofcentre locations will be refused unless provision has been made for these uses within the Local Plan, including site allocations, or it is clearly demonstrated that no suitable town or edge-of-centre sites are available or expected to become available within a reasonable period.
E Retail Impact Assessments (RIAs) will be required to be submitted with development proposals for main town centre uses of 500 square metres gross floorspace or more at edge-of-centre and outof-centre locations, unless provision for main town centre uses has been made in a site allocation. RIAs should be proportionate to the nature and scale of development. Development proposals will be refused unless an RIA demonstrates that:
- There is an identified need and market demand for the amount and type of floorspace proposed; and
- The proposal, either by itself or in combination with other existing, committed or planned development, will not adversely impact on the vitality and viability of Lewisham’s town centre network and hierarchy and its wider catchment.
F Development proposals within town centres should contribute to the delivery of and support the appropriate distribution of retail uses to help ensure the Borough’s future need for 8,400 additional gross square metres of retail floorspace up to 2035 is met. Proposals for new major Use Class E(a) retail development90 should prioritise Lewisham and Catford Major Centres in the site selection process before considering other appropriate locations, including District Centres.
G Development within Lewisham town centre and its surrounds will be proactively managed in order to secure its future reclassification as a Metropolitan centre in the London Plan. Development proposals should direct new investment and facilitate the delivery of strategic infrastructure to ensure the centre can effectively serve a local and wider sub-regional catchment, with reference to Policy LCA2 (Lewisham Major Centre and surrounds).
| CLASSIFICATION | LOCATION | ROLE/FUNCTION |
|---|---|---|
| Major town centre |
| There are Lewisham largest and most well-connected centres with a high PTAL score meaning their catchment goes beyond Lewisham into neighbouring boroughs. They provide the highest proportion of comparison retail compared to convenience retail alongside hosting a range of uses such as offices, civic functions, culture. Leisure, entertainment and services. |
| District town centre |
| Smaller than major centres and spread more evenly across Lewisham, these centres are well connected, serving several local communities. Typically they provide convenience retail with some compassion retail at a smaller scale alongside culture and leisure (e.g. café, restaurants and swimming baths), services (e.g. banks) and local office functions. Some centres, however, have developed specialist shopping functions such as independent boutique shopping for instance. At the same time, others are known for their role within the creative sector or having a lively nighttime economy. |
| Local Centre |
| Found within various areas of Lewisham with decent transport links, these smaller centres serve the surrounding neighbourhood and complement the larger major district centres. They consist of a small cluster of shops typically offering convenience retail (e.g. small supermarket up to around 500sqm) and services (e.g. Pharmacy and Hairdressers ) together with a community anchor (e.g. Public House, Church or Cinema) attracting visitors. |
| Shopping parade | There are over 80 parades dispersed across the Borough | Scattered throughout Lewisham, they have been included for their role in complementing other centres higher up in the hierarchy. Consisting mainly of smaller scale convenience retail (e.g. corner shops) they play a role in providing day-to-day access to some necessities within a short walking distance of residents nearby. |
For more information and policy context please see the Lewisham Local Plan