Policy information sourced from Welwyn Hatfield District Plan
TCR23 Large Neighbourhood Centres
In the Neighbourhood Centres of Moors Walk (ground floor level), Woodhall, Hall Grove, and Haldens in Welwyn Garden City and in Highview, Hatfield, the Council will seek to retain the provision of a range of everyday convenience shopping and service facilities for local people. A minimum of 60% of the total frontage of the parade should remain in Retail Class A1 use. Where less than 60% of the frontage of the parade is in retail use, planning permission will not be granted for further loss of retail units.
In addition, proposals for changes of use from Retail Class A1 use, to non-retail, Class A2 or A3 use will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:
- The proposal would not harm the vitality and viability of the centre;
- Together with existing uses and extant planning permissions for change of use to non-retail, it would not lead to an overconcentration of non-retail uses in any parade;
- The presence of vacant units indicates a lack of demand for retail use;
- The proposal would not harm the amenities of any nearby residential properties;
- The proposal would not be detrimental to the highway network including highway safety.
Other non-retail uses may be permitted, subject to the above criteria, where it can be demonstrated the use would meet a particular local community need.
The Council may grant planning permission for a specific use within Classes A2 or A3, or for a specific leisure, social or cultural use, or may impose conditions to control the use of the premises where planning permission would otherwise be refused.
For more information please see the Welwyn Hatfield District Plan