Policy information sourced from the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 1

E5: Town and Local Centres

The Council will accommodate additional retail growth in established centres, in accordance with the conclusions of the latest evidence base. Growth for comparison goods will be primarily accommodated in District Centres as set out in Table 5.5. If appropriate, specific locations for growth in convenience goods will be determined through the production of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2- Site Specific Allocations Local Development Document.

Planning decisions will be taken in accordance with the provisions of national guidance, particularly the sequential and impact tests. Further, more detailed policies will be outlined in the forthcoming Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2- Development Management Policies Local Development Document.

The Council will improve town and neighbourhood centres across Hillingdon as set out in Map 5.3, and improve public transport, walking and cycling connections to town and neighbourhood centres whilst ensuring an appropriate level of parking provision is provided for accessibility to local services and amenities. Public transport will be improved to strengthen the viability and vitality of all town centres across the borough.

Local parades will be protected, enhanced and managed to ensure they meet the needs of the local community and enhance the quality of life for local residents, particularly those without access to a car.

Implementation of Policy E5: how we will achieve this

Policy E5 will be delivered by applying national, regional and local policies and the conclusions of the current evidence base. For clarity, the current evidence base documents are identified at paragraphs 5.42 - 5.45.

In addition to the expansion of town centre boundaries proposed in this plan, increases in comparison and convenience retail floor space will be achieved through the redevelopment of existing sites, refurbishment of existing retail units or the intensification of existing floorspace. Sites to be redeveloped will be identified in the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2- Site Specific Allocations Local Development Document as appropriate.

Monitoring of Policy E5: how we will measure success

Policy E5 and the conclusions of the evidence base (particularly those conclusions related to additional retail capacity) will be monitored through the production of the Council’s Annual Monitoring Report. This monitoring will inform the production of the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2- Site Specific Allocations and Development Management Policies Local Development Documents. The evidence base will be updated as appropriate to ensure it provides an up to date basis for policy and decision taking.

For more information please see the Local Plan: Part 1