Local Requirements - Town Centre Uses - Sequential Test

Type of application or development that require this information

• Main town centre uses that are not in an existing centre and not in accordance with an up-to-date Local Plan.

What information is required?

The scope of the assessment including potential suitability of alternative sites should be agreed prior to the submission of an application.

The level and type of evidence and analysis required to address the key considerations should be proportionate to the scale and nature of the proposal.

Potential considerations in the assessment:

1. Has the suitability of more central sites to accommodate the proposal been considered?
2. Consideration of accessible sites that are well connected to the town centre.
3. Is there scope for flexibility in the format and/or scale of the proposal?
4. Only if suitable sites in town centre or edge of centre locations are not available (or expected to become available within a reasonable period) should out of centre sites be considered. When considering what a reasonable period is for this purpose, the scale and complexity of the proposed scheme and of potentially suitable town or edge of centre sites should be taken into account.

Policy Driver

• National Planning Policy Framework - Chapter 7: Ensuring the vitality of town centres
• National Planning Practice Guidance: Town centres and retail
• Core Strategy - Policy EC5: City, District and Local Centres