Planning permission for change use of retail units within Local Neighbourhood Parades (as defined in Figure 6) will not be supported if the change of use would result in a reduction in the percentage of units falling within Class E(a), E(b) and E(c) across the whole parade, unless the unit is vacant and has been unsuccessfully marketed for retail use.

Proposals for a change of use of a vacant retail unit to provide co-working space for small start-up businesses within Class E (g) (i) or community uses within Class F2 (b) may be supported.

Where planning permission is required, the change of use of ground floor premises to residential use will only be supported in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to find a suitable commercial or business use for the retail unit and it has been demonstrated that the preferred uses are unviable, and where the development will be of a high design quality which will not adversely impact on the character of the frontage.

The amalgamation of adjacent units to form larger retail units will generally be discouraged unless it can be demonstrated that the proposed use will meet local priorities and add to the vitality of the local parade.

The redevelopment of sites in inappropriate uses along shopping parades which are not identified as main town centre uses in the NPPF (annex 2) and have a negative impact on amenity will be supported. Mixed use development comprising retail, business, and community uses at the ground floor and residential uses on the upper floors will be supported. Development will be required to incorporate active frontages and improvements to the public realm on Stondon Park and Brockley Rise.

Development proposals should be of a high quality design in accordance with Policies BE1 and BE2 and improve the appearance of the Local Neighbourhood Parades. 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