Policy information sourced from South Bucks District Local Plan

TC1 - DEVELOPMENT IN BEACONSFIELD (NEW TOWN), BURNHAM AND GERRARDS CROSS

Within the centre inset areas of Beaconsfield (New Town), Burnham and Gerrards Cross, as shown on the proposals map, the Council will seek to retain key uses which enhance the vitality or viability of the town centre. Planning permission for the change of use or redevelopment of such sites will not be granted unless the proposal is considered to preserve the vitality or viability of the centre.

The District Council will seek to protect and where possible strengthen, the retail function of these centres, whilst facilitating or maintaining an appropriate level of diversification.

A mix of uses will also be encouraged within the centre inset areas provided that proposals are considered to enhance the vitality of the centre and would not detract from the viability or retail attractiveness of the centre.

The re-use or redevelopment of sites currently or last used for lawful employment generating development, within the centre inset areas, may be permitted as an exception to the employment policies in the plan provided that;

  • the proposal is for retail development or leisure or entertainment uses or other uses appropriate to a town centre location or a mixed use development comprising housing and offices; and
  • the proposal enhances the vitality of the centre; and
  • the site is not currently, or likely to be in the future, a major source of employment for residents of that settlement or its immediate locality; and
  • the cumulative impact of such proposals within each centre would not result in a significant increase or a significant decrease in employment levels; and
  • the proposal is of a scale and design commensurate with the size, character and role of the centre in which it is sited; and
  • the proposal would comply with all other policies in the plan.

For more information please see the Local Plan