Policy information sourced from Brentwood Local Plan

PC06: Mixed Use Development in Designated Centres

Within the boundary of Designated Centres as set out in Policy PC04 Retail Hierarchy of Designated Centres and defined on the Brentwood Policies Map:

  • Mixed use development will be supported if it:
    • is in proportion to the scale and function of the centre;
    • contains an appropriate mix of ground floor uses; and
    • makes efficient use of the site and is considered to be of sufficient density
  • Proposals resulting in the loss of main town centre uses at ground floor level to non-centre uses, as defined in Figure 7.6, which results in an unacceptable mix of uses will not be permitted. Proposals resulting in the loss of main town centre uses at ground floor must demonstrate that:
    • the use is no longer viable, by evidence of active marketing to the public for at least 12 months, showing that the premises are not reasonably capable of being used or redeveloped for a main town centre use; and
    • development would not result in 3 or more adjacent non-centre use units.
  • Non-retail development that are classed as main town centre uses, as defined in Figure 7.6, should:
    • complement the retail and service function and maintain or add to the vitality, viability and diversity of the centre;
    • provide an active frontage, such as a window display, which is in keeping with the character of the shopping area; and
    • not give rise to a detrimental effect, individually or cumulatively, on the character or amenity of the area through smell, litter, noise or traffic problems.
  • Changes of use from class E to another main town centre use as set out in Figure 7.6 will only be permitted where the development would satisfy the above criteria and retain an appropriate mix and balance of uses which will provide for the needs of local residents.
  • Proposals for separate units of retail, offices, leisure, cultural, community facilities and residential on upper floors are supported provided that the use would have a safe and convenient access, a separate refuse and recycling store, and would not inhibit the functioning of the ground floor use. Main town centre uses and employment uses should be given priority over residential uses unless it can be demonstrated that this would lead to an imbalance of uses.

For more information please see the Local Plan