Policy information sourced from Runnymede Local Plan
SD6: Retention of Social & Community Infrastructure
The loss or change of use of existing social and community infrastructure facilities or sites will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that demand can be met from alternative provision which has the capacity to provide facilities through co-location or provision of new facilities.
Any co-located or new facilities should be of an equivalent or better quality than the facilities replaced, designed flexibly to allow for multiple activities and be as or more accessible by active and sustainable modes of travel to the community it serves as the existing facility or site which will be lost.
Loss or change of use may also be permitted without the re-provision of facilities where it can be demonstrated that:
- There is no longer an identified demand for the facility or site; it is not viable or feasible for any other social or community use and no other provider of social or community services can make use of the site or facility. Evidence of the exercise applicants have gone through to consult with a range of social and community service providers, and to market the facility over a period of 6 months to demonstrate no interest will need to be provided; or
- The disposal of a social or community use or asset will help to deliver or enable wider social and community benefits; or
- In the case of indoor sports facilities, it can be clearly demonstrated that the building or land is surplus to requirements or is developed for alternative sports and recreation provision the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss.
For more information please see the Local Plan