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

7 Shops, Leisure and Services
7.0.20 Each town centre within the borough has its own distinct character. Development must
respect and enhance this, whilst meeting modern needs for suitable provision. The council
has collated, and will continue to gather, information on the diversity and level of inclusion
achieved in its town centres. This will be reflected in SPDs to be produced for the town
centres, and for shopping areas that are historic and/or locally important.
7.0.21 Before accepting the loss of any retail unit, the council will require satisfactory evidence
of full and proper marketing that has taken place for at least two years or more and the
unit offered for retail use at a reasonable market rate. If the retention of the retail use is
proven to not be possible then other compatible town centre uses should be considered
before residential use.
7.0.22 The council will not grant planning permission for development it considers would cause
harm to the character, amenity, function, vitality and viability of a town centre.
7.0.23 Accessible services, such as GP surgeries, solicitors, post offices, pharmacies, groceries
and news agents are essential to the vitality and viability of our town centres. Maintaining
these services will contribute to the inclusivity and sustainability of local communities,
reducing the number and length of local journeys undertaken and promoting a sense of
local sufficiency.
7.0.24 Applications for betting shops (A2 use) will be resisted. In addition to planning control
betting shops are also subject to licensing control.
Policy DM 39
Local Shopping Parades
A. Local shopping parades are designated on the Proposals Map, and are shown in Appendix
3.
B. Proposals to change the use of existing retail premises (Use Class A1) will not be permitted
unless all of the following criteria are satisfied:
i) the premises has been vacant for a period of at least 2 years and marketing evidence for
this 2 year vacancy period is provided and demonstrates there is no realistic prospect of the
unit being used for retail (Use Class A1);
ii) individually, or cumulatively, the proposed use would not have an adverse effect on the
vitality, viability and predominantly retail function (where appropriate) of the parade;
iii) there is an alternative accessible provision of retail use within 400 metres (approximately
a 5 minute walk);
iv) where applicable, the change of use would not result in a significant break in the continuity
of retail frontages, and
Development Management Policies - Direction of Travel Islington Council
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