Policy information sourced from The London Plan 2021
E2 Providing Suitable Business Space
- Boroughs should include policies in local Development Plan Documents that support the provision, and where appropriate, protection of a range of B Use Class business space, in terms of type, use and size, at an appropriate range of rents, to meet the needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and to support firms wishing to start-up or expand.
- Development of B Use Class business uses should ensure that the space is fit for purpose having regard to the type and use of the space.
- Development proposals that involve the loss of existing B Use Class business space (including creative and artists’ workspace) in areas identified in a local Development Plan Document where there is a shortage of lower-cost space or workspace of particular types, uses or sizes, should:
- demonstrate that there is no reasonable prospect of the site being used for business purposes, or
- ensure that an equivalent amount of B Use Class business space is re-provided in the proposal which is appropriate in terms of type, use and size, incorporating existing businesses where possible, and include affordable workspace where appropriate (see Policy E3 Affordable workspace).
- Development proposals for new B Use Class business floorspace greater than 2,500 sq.m. (gross external area), or a locally determined lower threshold in a local Development Plan Document, should consider the scope to provide a proportion of flexible workspace or smaller units suitable for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
For more information please see The London Plan 2021