Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration
44 Shopping Development Outside Existing Centres
Shopping proposals outside defined centres will be required to demonstrate that a sequential approach to site selection has been followed in accordance with Policy 38 and that there is a need for the development in relation to:
- the quantitative requirement for additional floorspace; and
- the qualitative need for the facility.
In the case of all major shopping schemes a trade capacity and impact study may be required from an applicant to assist the Council’s assessment of the proposal.
Shopping development will only be permitted outside existing centres if it meets these tests and it:
- does not result in an over provision of floorspace likely to damage the main shopping hierarchy in Dacorum or adjoining Districts;
- would not seriously affect the vitality or viability of nearby town or local centres;
- would not prejudice future investment in existing centres;
- provides a necessary extension of the range and diversity of outlets available to shoppers;
- is easily and safely accessible by a choice of means of transport, including passenger transport, as well as by cyclists, pedestrians and people with disabilities;
- would help reduce the need to travel.
The principal locations of existing out of centre retailing are set out in the table below, together with the main uses and other requirements.
| LOCATION | MAIN USES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| HEMEL HEMPSTEAD | |
| Sainsbury, Apsley Mills Retail Park, London Road (Sainsbury, Apsley) | Food retailing. Improve footpath links (Proposal TWA19 in the schedule of Two Waters and Apsley Inset Proposal Sites) |
| Remainder of Apsley Mills Retail Park, London Road (Apsley Mills) | Bulky, non-food goods. |
| Two Waters, London Road (Two Waters) | Bulky non-food goods. |
| Homebase and Wickes, London Road (London Road) | Bulky, non-food goods. Whilst it is acceptable for the Homebase store to remain, alternative development for the same use, office or residential purposes would be permissible. Whilst a mix of uses will be encouraged, any expansion in the existing non-food retailing floorspace would need to be justified in terms of retail policy (particularly Policies 38 and 44). In these circumstances, access affecting the site would be carefully considered in relation to development on the adjoining site (TWA6, British Paper Company, land at Mill Street and rear of London Road) and highway proposals and circumstances in the vicinity. Improve footpath links (Proposal TWA19 in the Schedule of Two Waters and Apsley Inset Proposal Sites). Riverside enhancement (ref Policy TWA1 in Two Waters and Apsley Inset). Any development proposal should examine the potential of the adjoining Kents Brushes site. Development Brief required. |
| B & Q, Two Waters Road (Cornerhall) | Bulky, non-food goods. |
| TRING | |
| Tesco, London Road (Tring) | Food retailing. |
Where appropriate, careful control will be exercised over the size of units and type of goods sold.
For more information please see the Local Plan