Policy information sourced from the Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038
LPRCD2: Primary Shopping Area.
1. Within the Primary Shopping Area in Maidstone Town Centre, as shown on the Policies Map, the change of use from Class E at ground floor level to other uses will be acceptable if compatible with the focus of the Primary Shopping Area as the heart of the town centre. Proposals will also be assessed against the following:
- i. The location and prominence of the premises within the Primary Shopping Area;
- ii. The floor space and length of the frontage of the premises;
- iii. The number, distribution and proximity to other non-Class E premises, or with planning permissions for such use, within the Primary Shopping Area and throughout the town centre;
- iv. The particular nature and character of the proposed uses, including the level of pedestrian activity associated with it;
- v. The level of vacancies in ground floor properties; and vi. Whether the proposed use will give rise to noise, smell or other environmental problems.
2. Outside of the Primary Shopping Area but within the town centre, the change of use from Class E at ground floor level to a pub or drinking establishment, amusement centre/arcade, launderette, community use, leisure or recreational use, or residential use, will be acceptable in principle, provided that:
- i. The overall town centre character is not undermined;
- ii. The proposed use contributes positively to the town centre as the focus of commercial or community life; and
- iii. There is no detrimental effect on the visual or other special character or amenities of the surrounding area.
For more information, please visit Maidstone’s Local Plan Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038