Policy information sourced from the Southwark Local Plan 2022

P31 Affordable Workspace

  • Development must:
    • Retain small and independent businesses (E(g) B class uses). Where existing small and independent businesses are at risk of displacement from a development there should be full consideration of the feasibility of providing affordable and suitable space for existing occupiers in the completed development. Replacement business space should be like for like in terms of floorspace or bespoke to suit the requirements of the business; or
    • Explore the opportunities for long term management of employment space and the delivery of affordable workspace by workspace providers.
  • Developments proposing 500sqm GIA or more employment floorspace must:
    • Deliver at least 10% of the proposed gross employment floorspace as affordable workspace on site at discount market rents; and
    • Secure the affordable workspace for at least 30 years;
    • Provide affordable workspace of a type and specification that meets current local demand; and
    • Prioritise affordable workspace for existing small and independent businesses occupying the site that are at risk of displacement. Where this is not feasible, affordable workspace must be targeted for small and independent businesses from the local area with an identified need; and
    • Collaborate with the council, local businesses, business associations relevant public sector stakeholders and workspace providers to identify the businesses that will be nominated for occupying affordable workspace.
  • If it is not feasible to provide affordable workspace on site, an in lieu payment will be required for off site affordable workspace. This will be calculated using the Affordable Workspace Calculator.
  • Affordable workspace will be secured, and where necessary retained as employment uses through the use of planning obligations/ conditions in accordance with the tests set out in national policy.
  • In exceptional circumstances affordable retail, affordable cultural uses, or public health services which provide a range of affordable access options for local residents, may be provided as an alternative to affordable workspace (employment uses). This will only be acceptable if there is a demonstrated need for the affordable use proposed and with a named occupier. If the alternative affordable use is no longer required in the future, the space should be made available for affordable workspace (employment uses) in accordance with the criteria above. The reprovision or uplift of employment floorspace must still be provided in the scheme overall.

For more information please see the Southwark Local Plan 2022