Policy information sourced from the Aylesbury Local Plan

D7 Town, village and local centres to support new and existing communities

The strategy for town, village and local centres builds on the vision and strategic objectives set out in the VALP. Growth and expansion of town and local centres should be consistent with the existing hierarchy of centres within Aylesbury Vale.

The council will promote the sustainable growth and regeneration of Aylesbury, Buckingham, Haddenham, Wendover and Winslow. Within defined town centres, development proposals for retail, leisure, commercial, office, tourism, cultural, community and residential development will be supported (subject to compliance with other policies in the VALP) where they:

  • retain or enhance the town centre’s historic character and appearance, vitality and viability
  • sustain or enhance diverse town centre uses and customer choice, incorporating residential accommodation above ground floor level where possible, and
  • are readily accessible by public transport, walking and cycling.

Proposals for town centre uses should be sited within the town or local centres. Proposals for such uses outside town or local centres are to be considered against Policy E5.

Proposals for development in and around town, local or village centres, including proposals for changes of use, should support the aspirations for regeneration of those centres including those subjects to neighbourhood plans by improving the range and quality of retail, public realm, leisure, employment and training opportunities.

New local centres will be provided within major development areas.

In local and village centres, proposals for services and local community facilities will be supported, which are of an appropriate scale and do not compromise the character of the area and the functionality of the centre. These should ensure that any change of use from E/F.2 maintains the general vitality and viability of the centre and does not seriously diminish the provision of local shopping facilities.

Local and village centres will be encouraged to grow and loss of essential facilities and businesses such as local shops, pubs and post offices will not be supported.

Policy information sourced from the Aylesbury Local Plan