Policy information sourced from the Mole Valley Local Plan

INF4: COMMUNITY FACILITIES

1. The provision of new or improved community facilities or services will be supported where the proposed development is in accordance with other relevant polices in the plan, and subject to the following additional criteria:

  • The facility would meet an identified need;
  • It is of a suitable scale to meet the need and is flexible and adaptable so that it can be utilised by a variety of community groups;
  • The site is accessible to the community it is intended to serve by public transport, walking and cycling; and,
  • The site has sufficient parking to ensure there is not significant on-street parking.

2. The loss of sites and premises used for community facilities or services, leisure or cultural activities will be resisted unless:

  • The proposal is supported by evidence that demonstrates that:
    1. i. There is no reasonable prospect of the existing use or any other community use continuing;
    2. An alternative facility of equivalent or better quality or scale is available nearby or will be re- provided nearby or the use will be provided in a different way serving the same community;and,
    3. The facility is of no particular value to the local community and its loss will notdetrimentally affect the character and vitality of the areas;
  • The site or premises has been actively marketed for 12-month period at a reasonable market value with a recognised agent for alternative community uses without a realistic, feasible or viable alternative use or occupier being identified, proportionate to the site or premises.

For more information please see the Mole Valley Local Plan