Policy information sourced from Three Rivers Development Management Policies DPD
DM12 Community, Leisure and Cultural Facilities
Protection
Proposals for the redevelopment or change of use of any premises resulting in the loss of facilities or services that support the local community will only be permitted where the Council is satisfied that:
- The existing facility can be satisfactorily relocated within the development; or
- The use concerned is not economically viable, could be provided by some other means, or it can be demonstrated that there is no longer a demand for the use; or
- The premises or site cannot readily be used for, or converted to, any other community facility and:
- The facility or service which will be lost will be adequately supplied or met by an easily accessible existing or new facility in an appropriate alternative location, served by sustainable modes of transport.
Where a use is no longer economically viable, the Council will require supporting information setting out reasons as to why the use is no longer viable and cannot be made viable in the foreseeable future. This may include details of previous use, accounts and marketing information demonstrating that the premises has been marketed for use as a community facility for a reasonable length of time and that no suitable user has been/or is likely to be found.
New provision and enhancement
Where development proposals are submitted for new or improved community, leisure or cultural facilities, they should be accessible by sustainable modes of transport.
For more information please see the Three Rivers Development Management Policies DPD