Policy information sourced from Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan

TR 6 Strengthening the Role of Centres

Provision is made for 2,700 sq. m net comparison goods floorspace and 2,350 sq. m net convenience goods floorspace across the Borough.

Main town centre uses must be located within the centres defined in the hierarchy of centres where sites are suitable, viable and available. Subject to operation of this sequential test and as set out elsewhere in policy, offices may also be located in defined business areas.

Planning applications for main town centre uses which are neither in a defined centre nor in accordance with the policies of this Plan will be subject to the Sequential Test.

Where suitable and viable in-centre sites are not available, edge of centre locations must be considered. If suitable and viable edges of centre sites are not available, out of centre sites should be considered. When considering edge of centre and out of centre sites, preference will be given to accessible sites that are well-connected to the centre.

Flexibility should be demonstrated on issues such as the format and scale of development. All centres within each individual level of the hierarchy are of equal status for the purposes of this sequential test.

Outside the defined centres, retail development (including subdivision of existing retail units or widening the range of goods allowed to be sold) will be resisted unless:

  • the proposal passes the sequential test outlined above, or
  • is intended to meet a particular local need that occurs only in a specific location.

Development proposals for retail, leisure and office development larger than the thresholds set out below, located outside defined centres must be accompanied by an assessment of their impact on the vitality and viability of and investment in defined centres within their catchment:

  • retail development: 1,000 sq. m within Maidenhead and Windsor urban areas; 500 sq. m elsewhere
  • leisure development: 2,500 sq. m
  • office development: 2,500 sq. m

Neighbourhood Plans may set different thresholds wherelocal considerations, supported by evidence, indicate this is appropriate.

For more information please see the Local Plan