Policy information sourced from Wandsworth Employment and Industry Document

EI 5 Requirements for new employment development

New developments for economic uses must provide a good standard of flexible workspace which would allow for a range of unit sizes for use by a wide range of occupiers. All development for economic uses must ensure:

  • Adequate floor-to-ceiling heights, allowing for clear operation of the proposed use as well as servicing requirements such as ventilation, heating, lighting, electricity and cabling;
  • Adequate doorway and corridor widths, and clear and flexible floorplates with few supporting columns within the space, to allow for movement and appropriate configurations of furniture and equipment;
  • Level thresholds and access throughout the building;
  • Appropriate kitchen and toilet facilities (usually per floor);
  • Natural light and ventilation, avoiding windowless and basement offices;
  • Good telecommunications connectivity, including super-fast broadband connections where appropriate; and
  • Active Design which encourages wellbeing and greater physical movement as part of everyday routines.

In addition to the requirements above, proposals for B1c, B2 and B8 developments must ensure:

  • Servicing and loading facilities including access bays and service yards;
  • Floor to ceiling heights of 3.35m or similar where justified;
  • Space on site for servicing/parking of commercial vehicles;
  • and Goods lifts for multi-storey developments (with a minimum loading of 500kg).

In mixed use developments, particularly those that include residential use, the layout and design of the development will need to ensure that uses complement one another, that the amenity of residents and the operational requirements of businesses are designed in, and that any conflicts are mitigated to a high standard. The following issues will need to be addressed:

  • Location of potentially conflicting uses and sensitive receptors, particularly windows, doors and amenity spaces;
  • Positioning of servicing (such as bin stores, loading bays, vehicle and cycle parking);
  • Noise, vibration, dust, light and other pollutants;
  • Security;
  • Overlooking, privacy and visual disturbance;
  • Access arrangements, including pedestrian, cycle and vehicle routes. Separate street front access for different uses should be designed-in.

Where feasible, economic uses should be stacked vertically rather than spread across an area. This helps to make efficient use of a site, separate uses, simplify management and access arrangements, create agglomeration benefits for businesses, and give the area a distinct character.

In some instances it may be appropriate to secure a management plan, technical assessments, and to specify hours of operation.

Redevelopment of existing economic uses should where viable seek to retain existing businesses on site following development, taking into consideration existing space requirements, lease terms and rent levels, and any other reasonable business requirements, if those businesses wish to remain. If retention is not possible this should be demonstrated through a viability appraisal. Further details will be set out in the Planning Obligation SPD. Where possible, phasing of development should be planned in order to minimise the need for existing businesses to relocate, both during and after construction.

For more information please see the Employment and Industry Document