1. The change of use of retail units within Crofton Park and Honor Oak Park Neighbourhood Centres (as defined in Figure 6) will not be supported unless it can be demonstrated that the unit has been unsuccessfully marketed for a period of 12 months, and a use within Class E (a), E(b) or E(c) is unviable.

2. Where it can be demonstrated that continued use within Class E (a), (b), (c) is unviable, proposals for the change of use of vacant retail units to provide co-working space for small start-up businesses will be supported subject to an appropriate shop front design and the retention of an active building frontage. Where planning permission is required the change of use of ground floor retail premises to residential use will not normally be supported.

3. The redevelopment of inappropriate uses in the neighbourhood centres which are not identified as main town centre uses in the NPPF (annex 2) and have a negative impact on amenity will be supported. Development should include an active town centre use at ground floor with residential or office use on upper floors.

4. Development proposals should preserve or enhance the character of the Local Neighbourhood Centres as mixed retail areas with a diverse range of shops and businesses and will be supported where:

i. signage, adverts and forecourt developments respect and are sympathetic to the character of the area;

ii. they Increase the range of retail outlets, food/drink outlets and commercial premises;

iii. they include public realm improvements which enhance the character of the Centre.

Development proposals should be of high-quality design in accordance with Policies BE1, BE2 and BE3 and improve the appearance of the neighbourhood centres. Shop fronts, shutters and signs for shop fronts should be well designed and at a suitable scale, taking into account the Lewisham Shopfront Design Guide.

For more information and policy context please see the Crofton Park and Honour Oak Neighbourhood Plan