Policy information sourced from the Lewisham Local Plan
EC13 Optimising the use of town centre land and floorspace
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 should optimise the use of land and floorspace within town centres and at edge-of-centre locations by:
- Delivering new mixed-use schemes on individual sites and through comprehensive redevelopment of multiple sites, where appropriate;
- Investigating opportunities for the reuse and reconfiguration of existing space, or the provision of new additional space above or below commercial units; and
- Avoiding designs that comprise of single-storey development.
B Within town centres and edge-of-centre locations, mixed-use development proposals (including the expansion, reuse or reconfiguration of existing floorspace) will be considered having regard to:
- The role and function of the centre;
- Impact on town centre vitality and viability;
- Compatibility of the proposed use with adjoining and neighbouring uses, both in terms of land use and character; and
- Compliance with other policies.
C Subject to (A) and (B) above, where a development proposal includes a residential use the development must: a. Not adversely impact on the function, appearance and character of the town centre, including its shopping and other frontages; and b. Provide adequate access arrangements for all of the building occupiers including separate secured access for the residential element.
D Development proposals affecting an existing commercial unit must ensure any ancillary floorspace that is integral to business operations and viability of the unit is not compromised or lost.
For more information and policy context please see the Lewisham Local Plan