Development Management Policies - Direction of ... - Islington Council

7 Shops, Leisure and Services
Figure 7.1 Hierarchy of Shops
Policy DM 34
Promoting small and independent shops
A. The council will encourage the provision of accessible small shops (typically a 'small
shop' is a unit with 80m 2
gross floorspace or less, occupied by an independent retailer or
service outlet) suitable for small and independent retailers throughout the borough by:
i) requiring large retail developments to include a proportion of small units;
ii) encouraging the occupation of shops by independent retailers and the provision of
affordable premises; and
iii) where appropriate, attaching conditions to planning permissions for retail development
to remove the ability to amalgamate units into larger premises.
7.0.6 Islington's many small and independent shops give the borough its character. Specialist
shopping areas, such as Camden passage are nationally, as well as locally, known and
add to Islington's distinctiveness and attractiveness as a place to live in and visit.
7.0.7 Islington's local shops provide for the day-to-day needs of the local population, workers
and visitors and help to provide locally accessible facilities for those on low income, the
elderly and people with mobility difficulties. Small and independent shops allow people to
shop locally on foot, and can provide greater consumer choice and local employment.
They can also play an important social role in the community, as well as contributing to
the unique character and identity of the local area.
7.0.8 However, over recent years there has been a decline in local shops. There are various
national campaigns to encourage people to shop locally, and Islington has introduced
various initiatives to encourage and promote small and independent shops. One example
Development Management Policies - Direction of Travel Islington Council
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