Policy information sourced from the Tandridge Local Plan Part 2: Detailed Policies

DP2: Town Centre Development

Town Centres

A. Within the Town Centres of Oxted and Caterham Valley, the Council will support proposals for new development, redevelopment, extension or change of use where they are appropriate in terms of scale, type and design. Where practical and viable, the Council will also encourage the introduction of pop-up shops and other appropriate temporary uses where they support the longer-term vitality and viability of the town centre.

B. In all cases, proposals must not adversely affect the viability and vitality of the Shopping Area, or the environment and amenities of the surrounding areas including residential properties, by reason of smell, noise or other environmental problems.

Primary Frontage

C. Proposals involving the change of use of ground floor premises from Use Class A1 to A2, A3, A4 or A5 within the primary frontage of a town centre will be permitted only where:

  1. No less than 70% of the town centre’s total primary frontage width remains in retail (class A1) use; and
  2. No more than two non-retail units would be located adjacent to one another within the same primary frontage section (as defined in paragraph 2.15); and
  3. The property is vacant or is currently occupied by a pop-up or temporary use and the applicant is able to demonstrate that the property has been effectively marketed for sale or letting at a realistic price on the open market for a minimum period of 12 months and that no reasonable offers have been refused*.

Secondary Frontage

D. Proposals involving the change of use of ground floor premises from Use Class A1 to A2, A3, A4, A5 or other appropriate main town centre sui generis uses within the secondary frontage of a town centre will be permitted only where:

  1. No less than 45% of the town centre’s total secondary frontage width remains in retail (class A1) use; and
  2. The proposal maintains, where ever possible, an ‘active’ shop front i.e. a window display; and
  3. The proposal does not eliminate separate access arrangements to the upper floors, which could be used for residential, community or employment uses.

* The Council may seek independent advice to test the veracity of any marketing exercise.

For more information please see the Tandridge Local Plan Part 2: Detailed Policies