Local shops and services:

1.

Proposals for new, or the expansion of existing, Class E (Commercial, Business and Service), F1 (Learning and Non-Residential Institutions), or F2 (Local Community Uses) activity in the parish will be encouraged, subject to the following criteria:

a. the proposal, including any associated premises, would not have significant harmful impacts on the local environment;

b. the proposal would not have unacceptable harmful impacts on the amenity of neighboring uses, particularly residential through excessive noise and pollution; and

c. The proposal would not have significant adverse impacts upon the local road network.

2.

Within the village center, as shown on the Policies Maps, the permanent change of use of Classes E Commercial, Business and Service), F1 (Learning and Non-Resident) and F2 to other uses will only be supported where the following can be demonstrated that:

a. The proposed use will maintain the character, vitality, and viability of Maulden village center;

b. The premises in question has not been in continuous active use for at least 12 consecutive months; and

c. The premises have no potential for either occupation as demonstrated by the results both of a full viability report and a marketing campaign lasting for a continuous period of at least 6 months.

Public houses

3.

Development proposals to change the use of any of the public houses (Class sui generis) will only be supported if such a use is demonstrably unviable. Development proposals must be accompanied by a marketing report demonstrating that the existing public house has been actively marketed as a public house for a period of not less than 12 months at market value for the existing use. The report should account for all expressions of interest and offers received and how these were assessed in terms of viability. Applicants will be expected to meet the costs of undertaking an independent peer review of their marketing and viability assessment if requested by Central Bedfordshire Council prior to determination of the application.

For more information, please visit the Maulden Neighbourhood Plan