Policy information sourced from Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan

IF 6 Community Facilities

Proposals for new or improved community facilities which meet the needs or aspirations of local residents and visitors will be supported. Where an assessment identifies specific needs in the local area, proposals to meet that local need will be supported when they are located in areas that are accessible by walking, cycling or public transport.

Existing community facilities should be retained, improved and enhanced. Applications for change of use or redevelopment will therefore be resisted, unless evidence can be provided to show that the facility is not needed, not economically viable and is no longer required to meet the needs of the local community.

Where a new community facility is proposed (including stand-alone new facilities, facilities provided as part of a mixed-use development or conversions), it should be in an accessible location and designed to maximise use by local communities. Proposals for new community facilities should demonstrate that there is a specific need for the facility in the local area. An assessment should be provided, and use may be made of existing evidence provided by the Borough such as the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy.

Where opportunities exist the Council will support the co-location of community, leisure and cultural facilities and other local services.

Any development proposals for new or additional school provision should be accompanied by a Travel Plan.

Loss of Facilities

Existing community facilities should be retained, improved and enhanced and applications for change of use or redevelopment will therefore be resisted. Planning permission for development leading to the loss of facilities currently, or last used for the provision of community activities will only be granted where it can be demonstrated that:

  • thereisnolongerademandfor thefacility withinthearea,demonstratedby continuous marketing evidence for a period of at least twelve months, or
  • the proposed development would provide sufficient community benefit to outweigh the loss of the existing facility, or
  • there is provision for new or replacement facilities to meet an identified need in locations which are well related and easily accessible to the settlement or local community.

When a proposal will involve the loss of social and community facilities which are not being replaced, applicants will be required to provide evidence that they have consulted with an appropriate range of service providers and the community, to prove that there is no need for, or requirement for, the facility from any other service provider for an alternative social or community facility that could be met through change of use or redevelopment. In addition applicants are expected to provide evidence that:

  • there is no significant local support for its retention
  • there are alternative premises within easy walking distance
  • any such alternative premises offer similar facilities and a similar community environment to the facility which is the subject of the application.

Loss of an indoor or outdoor sports facility will only be acceptable where an assessment of current and future needs has demonstrated that there is an excess of provision in the catchment, and the site has no special significance to the interests of sport.

Any loss of school facilities will only be acceptable where the loss would not result in any constraints on school place provision.

For more information please see the Local Plan