Policy information sourced from Lewisham Town Centre Local Plan

LTC16 Retail areas

Primary shopping frontage

Within the primary shopping frontage, as defined in Figure 6.1, the Council will strongly resist any change of use involving the loss at ground floor level of Class A1 shops. The following factors will be taken into account when considering exceptions:

  • whether the proposal harms the retail character of the shopping frontage, with an over-concentration of non-retail uses (normally three consecutive non A1 uses and 70% maintained in A1 use),
  • whether the proposal will generate a significant number of pedestrian visits,
  • whether the proposal uses vacant units (having regard both to their number within the centre as a whole and the primary shopping frontage and the length of time they have been vacant and actively marketed).

All proposals for non retail development within the primary shopping frontage, including where relevant, changes of use will:

  • not harm the amenity of adjoining properties, including that created by noise and disturbance, smell, litter and incompatible opening hours (all of which may be controlled by appropriate conditions),
  • where appropriate, provide attractive display windows and entrances that are compatible with adjoining shop units.

Secondary shopping frontage

Within the secondary shopping frontage, as defined in Figure 6.1, proposals for development or change of use from an A1 shop will generally be acceptable provided:

  • it is to another A use class, community use or amusement centre where such a change does not result in an over-concentration of non A1 uses (normally 3 non A1 uses),
  • it does not harm the amenity of adjoining properties,
  • it does not harm the retail character, attractiveness, vitality and viability of the centre including unreasonably reducing the percentage of A1 units,
  • it is considered appropriate in relation to the area’s specific retail character.

Other shopping areas

Outside the primary and secondary shopping frontages as identified above, applications for development or change of use which involve the loss of A1 units will normally be acceptable, provided:

  • it does not harm the amenity of adjoining properties,
  • it does not harm the character, attractiveness, vitality and viability of the centre as a whole,
  • in the case of change to a residential use the frontage for shoppers is not unreasonably interrupted.

Retail Policy Areas

The town centre benefits from areas of discrete retail character which, individually and collectively contribute positively to the vitality and viability of the centre. There are also areas where major retail led developments are anticipated and the retail character that they create will be an important consideration. These retail Policy Areas are identified in the policies and text regarding Lewisham Gateway, Lee High Road, Loampit Vale and Ladywell in Section 5 – Policy Areas. In general, development proposals should take account of, not compromise and seek to complement the existing and anticipated retail character of each Policy Area.

For more information please see the Local Plan