Independent shops

The richness and diversity of the many small, independent shops is an important factor in the distinctive character of the Bermondsey Neighbourhood Plan area, particularly in the Tower Bridge Road and Bermondsey Street areas.

The breadth and variety of the goods that these shops offer - from hand-made gifts to building supplies - is important in defining the shopping opportunities available across the neighbourhood and in drawing people in from elsewhere in London and beyond.

What should be done in the future
In those specific areas where there is a particular call to preserve the independent shops (such as Tower Bridge Road, Bermondsey Street), then there should be a planning restriction prohibiting buildings being knocked together to produce larger floor spaces. This should help to ensure that the number and variety of shops in these areas.