Policy information sourced from Welwyn Hatfield District Plan

TCR3 Out of Centre Retail Development

Proposals for new retail development in out-of-centre locations, including the extension of existing retail stores, will not be granted unless all of the following criteria can be satisfied:

  • There is a need for the additional retail floorspace which cannot be met within any of the district’s town, village or neighbourhood centres;
  • The sequential approach has been applied in selecting the site;
  • It would not harm the vitality and viability of the district’s town, village or neighbourhood centres, either on its own or cumulatively taken with other recent similar developments;
  • It would be accessible by a choice of means of transport;
  • It would not generate unacceptable levels of car traffic nor prejudice road safety;
  • It would not have an adverse environmental impact on its surroundings;
  • It would not take land which is designated for other uses in the Plan; and
  • It would not harm the strategy of the District Plan, in particular the strategies for the town centres.

For more information please see the Welwyn Hatfield District Plan