Policy information sourced from Redbridge Local Plan

LP10: Managing Town Centres and Retail Uses

The Council will promote the vitality and viability of the borough’s town centres and diversify the range of uses by:

  • Maintaining the town centre boundaries, primary and secondary frontages and key retail parades as set out on the Policies Map;
  • Supporting the primary retail function of primary shopping frontages by seeking that a minimum 70% of ground foor units are used as A1 retail uses. Proposals for non-A1 uses in defned frontages that do not meet this target will only be supported where criteria (d) below is met;
  • Supporting diversity in the secondary frontages and Key Retail Parades by seeking that a minimum 40% of units are used as A1 retail uses. Proposals for non-A1 uses in defned frontages that do not meet this target will only be supported where criteria (d) below is met;
  • Considering the following factors when determining proposals for alternative town centre uses that do not meet criteria (b) and (c) above:
    • if the unit has been long term vacant (i.e. at least 12 months), and subject to continuous marketing for A1 retail use with reasonable terms and conditions;
    • if the location and size of the unit ofers a prime retail opportunity;
    • the extent to which the proposed use is capable of attracting a signifcant number of shoppers/visitors to the centre;
    • the extent to which the proposed use contributes to the Council’s aspirations and priorities, in particular, the regeneration objectives for the local area; and
    • the contribution the proposed use will make to the vitality and viability of the proposed frontage and the centre generally, and whether it will contribute to shoppers experience.
  • Supporting uses which provide active frontages at ground foor, support street activity and generates a high degree of pedestrian movement;
  • Encouraging efective use of upper foors that contributes to town centre vitality and regeneration, such as business or residential use;
  • Requiring in accordance with paragraph 24 of the NPPF, that town centre uses such as retail, leisure and ofce to be located in the borough’s town centres and then ‘edge of centre’. The Council will apply a sequential test and an impact assessment (where development is over 2,500sq.m) to planning applications for new and extended developments which are proposed to be located outside of the borough’s town centres;
  • Resisting development that results in the adverse impacts on the amenities of nearby occupiers; and
  • Resisting development that harms the safety and trafc fow or increases trafc and parking problems in the town centre.

When considering planning applications involving the loss of existing shops outside designated town centres and Key Retail Parades, the Council will take account of the following matters:

  • Whether loss of the existing shop would leave the local area underserved by convenience retailing (underserved areas are generally those where no alternative provision is available within a 400m walking distance);
  • Whether there is a realistic prospect of a shop unit remaining viable in that location; and
  • Whether the proposed alternative use is compatible with the surrounding area.

Implementation

The Council will promote a proactive and strategic approach to town centre improvement, particularly town centre managers optimising its available resources to promote strong partnerships, better public realm, leisure / cultural activities and strong management, and seek investment and suitable delivery partnerships to achieve its objectives;

The Council will review the Ilford Metropolitan Centre and Gants Hill Area Action Plan to strengthen its policies and delivery actions on creating and maintaining a safe, clean and attractive public realm;

Work as a part of a multi departmental team to develop an Economic Development Strategy;

The Council will work with developers, retailers, businesses and other key stakeholders to:

  • Enhance buildings;
  • Respond to, and work positively with historic and natural assets;
  • Promote safe, clean and attractive public spaces;
  • Support improved transport / access;
  • Respond to the needs of multi-channel retailing; and
  • Support enhanced management and partnership arrangements; and

The Council will ensure the evening economy across the borough’s town centres is well managed to create a safe, clean and vibrant leisure oriented environment.

For more information please see the Local Plan