Policy information sourced from the Grove Park Neighbourhood Plan

NC1 Enhancement of Grove Park Local Neighbourhood Centre and Shopping Parades

  1. Proposals which enhance the quality, character and range of shops and services within Grove Park’s retail hubs (mapped in Figure 13) will be supported. This will be achieved by:
    1. The control of signage, adverts and forecourt developments so they do not impact the quality of the environment.
    2. Supporting an increase in the range of retail outlets, including food/drink outlets and commercial premises. A limit of 5% of each type of business will generally be encouraged in order to maintain a broad retail offer, avoid oversaturation and provide affordable choices.
    3. where planning permission is required the change use of retail units including the change of use of ground floor premises to residential will not be supported if the change of use would result in a reduction of the percentage of units falling within Class A1, A2 and A3 and adversely impact on the character of the centre’s public realm frontage. Where it can be demonstrated that there is no viable retail use, proposals for a change of use of vacant units to appropriate B Class uses such as affordable (co)-working space and/or for small independent start-up businesses or D class uses to support thriving community activity will be encouraged.
    4. Encouraging the use of vacant shops for meanwhile uses and business start-ups in order to support local businesses providing services for local communities.
  2. Shopfront design should be of a high quality and respect heritage features and building proportions. Proposals should:
    1. Follow the Lewisham Shopfront Design Guide supplementary planning policy document 36.
    2. Ensure design enhances the appearance of the public realm.
    3. In the event of shutters being used, consider the potential for local street art opportunities to liven the night-time facades in a manner that doesn’t lead to negative perceptions of safety.
    4. The proliferation of betting shops and fast-food takeaways which may undermine the public’s health will be discouraged.

For more information and policy context please see the Grove Park Neighbourhood Plan