Shopping complexes - application of shop provisions

Whilst the provisions in this Technical Booklet about shops should generally be capable of application in cases where a shop is contained in a single separated building, the provisions may not be appropriate where a shop forms part of a complex. These may include covered malls providing access to a number of shops and common servicing areas. In particular, the provisions about maximum compartment size may be difficult to meet, bearing in mind that it would generally not be practical to compartment a shop from a mall serving it. (To a lesser extent, the provisions about fire resistance, walls separating shop units, surfaces and boundary distances may also pose problems.)