Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.

VT5.1: Supporting Vibrant Retail Centres

Planning permission will be granted for the development of retail, leisure, entertainment, arts, culture, office and other main town centre uses (as defined in the NPPF) within the defined Town, District and Local Centre boundaries, providing the use is appropriate for the scale and function of each centre. Development within these boundaries should contribute towards the enhancement of the public realm.

Town Centre

Alongside new homes, Watford Town Centre will remain the focus for; comparison shopping, leisure, entertainment, civic and cultural activities. Development proposals within the Town Centre that are ‘family friendly’ will be encouraged.

To ensure the long-term vitality and viability of Watford Town Centre, the Council will apply sequential tests for the main town centre uses, and require impact assessments for retail and leisure developments over 2,500sqm, in accordance with national planning policy.

Proposals that optimise the use of land and floorspace within the Town Centre, through mixed-use development, including new or re-used space above shops and commercial premises, will be supported, providing they have regard to the role and function of the centre, impacts on vitality and viability and the compatibility of proposed and existing surrounding uses.

Outside the Town Centre

Where appropriate, a limited amount of retail development will be supported on strategic sites to provide for the new community, subject to: compliance with the sequential test; proposals being of an appropriate scale; provision of good accessibility by walking, cycling or public transport; and there being no significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the Town Centre or Local Centres in the vicinity.

District and Local Centres

The vitality and viability of the District and Local Centres will be enhanced to provide local goods and services for local communities. Proposals that optimise the use of land and floorspace within the District and Local Centres, through mixed-use development, including new or re-used space above shops and commercial premises, will be supported, providing they have regard to the role and function of the centre, impact on vitality and viability, including that of existing business, and the compatibility of proposed and existing surrounding uses.

The Town Centre, District Centre and Local Centres are defined on the Policies Map.

For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.