They give communities the opportunity to bring forward the type of development they wish to see in their neighbourhood areas.īrownfield registers contain details of previously-developed land that is suitable for housing development, which may help in identifying land in and around town centres that could be used for homes. Local Development Orders can provide additional planning certainty and help to bring forward development as part of a wider strategy to regenerate a town centre.Ī Neighbourhood Development Order can be used in designated neighbourhood areas to grant planning permission for development specified in an Order. In addition, a range of other planning tools can help to support town centres to adapt and thrive: Authorities may, where appropriate, also wish to define primary and secondary retail frontages where their use can be justified in supporting the vitality and viability of particular centres. Planning policies are expected to define the extent of primary shopping areas. The key way to set out a vision and strategy for town centres is through the development plan and (if needed) supplementary planning documents. Revision date: 22 07 2019 What planning tools are available to local planning authorities to help them shape and support town centres? In fostering such activities, local authorities will also need to consider and address any wider impacts in relation to crime, noise and security. They can allow town centres to diversify and help develop their unique brand and offer services beyond retail. Given their close proximity to transport networks and local shops and services, local authorities may wish to consider locating specialist housing for different groups including older people within town centres or edge of centre locations.Įvening and night time activities have the potential to increase economic activity within town centres and provide additional employment opportunities. Residential development in particular can play an important role in ensuring the vitality of town centres, giving communities easier access to a range of services. The same is true of temporary activities such as ‘pop ups’, which will often benefit from permitted development rights. They need to consider structural changes in the economy, in particular changes in shopping and leisure patterns and formats, the impact these are likely to have on individual town centres, and how the planning tools available to them can support necessary adaptation and change.Ī wide range of complementary uses can, if suitably located, help to support the vitality of town centres, including residential, employment, office, commercial, leisure/entertainment, healthcare and educational development. Local planning authorities can take a leading role in promoting a positive vision for these areas, bringing together stakeholders and supporting sustainable economic and employment growth. What role can planning authorities play in supporting the management, adaptation and growth of town centres?įor planning purposes, town centres as defined in the National Planning Policy Framework comprise a range of locations where main town centre uses are concentrated, including city and town centres, district and local centres (and so includes places that are often referred to as high streets). Planning for town centre vitality and viability If you’d like an email alert when changes are made to planning guidance please subscribe. Where plans are being prepared under the transitional arrangements set out in Annex 1 to the revised National Planning Policy Framework, the policies in the previous version of the framework published in 2012 will continue to apply, as will any previous guidance which has been superseded since the new framework was published in July 2018.
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