If no-one wants to occupy for A1 usage a stringently controlled alternative may better than permanently empty property.

BUT "The Fryery" fish and chip shop in Hockley town centre is an example of bad siting and I do not know whether this is A1 or A3 usage. It is a popular but ugly and dirty unit which causes dangerous fouling of the pavement, particularly around weekends. During redevelopment this takeaway should be redirected further to the edge of the shops. The same applies to the Co-op funeral parlour which should be redirected to far more sensitive location, like Hockley's other undertakers.