Policy information sourced from Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan

LP 25 Development in Centres

  • Development in the borough’s centres, as defined in the centre hierarchy, will be acceptable if it:
    • is in keeping with the centre’s role and function within the hierarchy and is of a scale appropriate to the size of the centre (also see the Spatial Strategy of this Plan); and
    • is in an appropriate location, as follows:
      • A1 uses should be located within, adjacent to or well-related (or capable of being made so) to designated shopping frontages.
      • For other appropriate uses (see B & C below), major development and/or developments which generate high levels of trips should be located within a Main Centre Boundary. Elsewhere development should be located within the defined Area of Mixed Use (AMU boundary). For centres, or parts of centres where no boundary exists, proposals should be well-related to designated shopping frontages.Proposals not in the above locations, including extensions to existing retail and leisure developments of more than 200sqm gross, should satisfy the Sequential Test as set out in national policy and guidance. Out of centre retail development is not considered appropriate in line with the London Plan; and
    • does not adversely impact on the vitality and viability of the centre in which the development is proposed, or another centre. When assessing proposals for development outside of existing centres, applicants will have to comply with the requirements of national policy and guidance in relation to impact assessments. For retail developments, including extensions, of over 500sqm gross, the Council will require a Retail Impact Assessment. The scope of such assessments will need to be agreed with the Council before submitting a planning application; and
    • optimises the potential of sites by contributing towards a suitable mix of uses that enhance the vitality and viability of the centre. Commercial or community uses should be provided on the ground floor fronting the street, subject to other Local Plan policies, including the retail frontages policy LP 26.
  • In addition to A above, the following applies to development proposals in the borough’s five main centres:
    • The Council will support appropriate development in the five main centres.
    • The Council will encourage proposals for leisure, cultural and tourism facilities which contribute to the diversity of the offer.
    • Proposals for A1 uses should include, where appropriate, units of a size suitable for modern retail needs (particularly in Richmond centre, where there is a shortage of retail units with larger floor-plates) whilst retaining sufficient traditional smaller units that add to the local character and which are important to local businesses.
  • In addition to A above, in the local and neighbourhood centres as well as parades of local importance, the following applies:
    • Appropriate uses could include new retail (including markets), business or employment developments, which maintain suitable provision for small businesses, and other uses, which primarily serve the needs of the local community or attract visitors and develop cultural opportunities.
    • Development should, wherever possible, include overall improvements and enhancements of the small centres where appropriate, and/or modernise outdated premises.

For more information please see the Local Plan