Policy information sourced from the Central Befordshire Local Plan
R2: Retail for Minor Service Centres, Villages and the Rural Economy
In order to support vibrant, sustainable and diverse neighbourhoods and the rural economy, proposals for retail uses within existing minor service centres and villages will be supported where:
- The proposal is of a suitable scale to the service centre or village; and
- The site does not have a negative impact on the minor service centre or village setting when considered against all relevant policies;
Proposals for the change of use or re-development of shops or public houses in existing minor service centres or villages, which would result in the loss of such facilities, will not be permitted unless: - There are other facilities performing the same function within easy walking distance of the community; and/or
- The facility no longer meets the needs of the community; and
- The applicant provides sufficient and demonstrable evidence that the facility is no longer viable in its current form.
Where the above tests are met, the site/building must firstly be considered for alternative community infrastructure uses, in consultation with the local community, and only where an alternative community infrastructure use is demonstrated to be unviable or unsuitable, may other uses be considered acceptable.
Proposals for the change of use or re-development of retail premises which are located outside of settlement boundaries, including local farm shops, shops attached to garage sites where this is the only source of retail provision in the area, and public houses, will also be considered against all of the above criteria.
For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan