Policy information sourced from Welwyn Hatfield District Plan
TCR27 Small Village Centres
In the Small Village Centres of Woolmer Green, Oaklands and Mardley Heath and Digswell, changes of use from Class A1 Retail to Class A2 or A3 uses will not be permitted unless all the following criteria are met:
- The loss of the retail shop would not seriously diminish the provision of local shopping facilities;
- The proposed use would add to the vitality and viability of the parade;
- It can be demonstrated that the unit has remained vacant for over a year and documentary evidence has been provided that all reasonable attempts to sell or let the premises for its existing use have failed and/or the presence of long-term vacant units in the parade indicates a lack of demand for retail use;
- The proposal would provide adequate highway access and servicing arrangements and would not be detrimental to highway safety.
Other non-retail uses may be allowed, subject to the above criteria, where it can be demonstrated it would address a particular local need.
For more information please see the Welwyn Hatfield District Plan