Michael.

Yes, there are conflicting statements re the user class -

A1 Shops Use for all or any of the following:
a) for the retail sale of goods other than hot food
b) as a post office
c) for the sale of tickets or as a travel agency
d) for the sale of sandwiches or other cold food
e) for hairdressing
f) for the direction of funerals
g) for the display of goods for sale
h) for the hiring out of domestic or personal goods or articles
i) for the washing or cleaning of clothes or fabrics on the premises
j) for the reception of goods to be washed, cleaned or repaired
k) as an internet café, where the primary purpose of the premises is to provide facilities for enabling members of the public to access the internet, where the sale, display or service to visiting members of the public.

But the SUI section includes launderettes (as if it isn't covered in i above!).

Nevertheless, as this high profile corner unit wasn't deemed prominent enough to be designated by the clever people in Lewisham's planning department as part of Forest Hill District Centre's core (!!!) they will struggle to find a legitimate reason to refuse a non-A1 use. They could bow to local pressure and refuse but it probably wouldn't stick if appealed.

I, like you and many other people, would prefer that it isn't turned into an estate agents but I think we'll have our work cut out trying to prevent it purely on the basis of the rules for non-core units. (Please correct me if I'm wrong on my assumption that the property is number 2 London Road).