Object

Representation ID: 2649

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? Yes

Our client Valad Europe largely agrees to the proposed approach to maintaining a prosperous retail centre and note that Part 1 has been updated to include the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as requested in our previous representations. We note that Part 3 now includes provision to allow no more than 40% of the town centre primary shopping frontage being used for non-retail purposes and the clarification provided on how the shopping frontage will be measured. More A3 uses will increase footfall and linked trips whilst also supporting the night time economy adding to the vitality and viability of the town centre and this is welcomed.
We note that exceptions to this requirement will be considered if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that the A1 use is no longer viable through an effective two year marketing exercise where the vacant property has been offered for sale or letting in the open market at a realistic price and no reasonable offers have been refused. This seems very onerous and we suggest that the marketing exercise requirement be for 6 to 12 months to ensure that units do not lie vacant for two years otherwise this could have a detrimental impact on the High Street, particularly when the Council are trying to ensure its vitality and viability.