1. Development proposals and changes of use that constitute development will be carefully controlled to ensure they support, rather than detract from, successful functioning of the centres and their ability to meet local needs. All such proposals will be required to:
  2. are designed to allow flexibility of units to adapt to potential changes in floorspace demands of retail and other uses; and
  3. optimise residential density within the centre boundary;
  4. make a positive contribution to the vitality, viability and diversity of the centre;
  5. maintain a strong role for the centre in providing a varied range of convenience goods and meeting other day-to-day needs; and
  6. be of a scale and type of use appropriate to the size and function of the centre, or part of the centre concerned, as defined in policies CEN 2 and CEN 4.
  7. The positive use of underused and vacant space on upper floors within centres for alternative uses including residential, employment or community provision will be strongly encouraged. Proposals will need to demonstrate that any potential for residential use has been fully explored. Community uses must be accessible for the mobility-impaired.
  8. The use of vacant sites or buildings for occupation by temporary uses that will benefit a town centre's viability and vitality and not lead to a proliferation of such uses will be supported.
  9. Where proposals result in the loss of Commercial, Business and Service uses (Class E) at the ground floor level of Primary Shopping Areas, the council will take the following into consideration:
  • Significance of reduction of Class E facilities;
  • The need to retain and avoid loss of active frontage at ground floor level;
  • Capability of the proposal in attracting visitors to the town centre;
  • Contribution of the proposal to the council's regeneration aims; and
  • Evidence that there is no viable demand for continued existing Class E use and that the property has been vacant for over 12 months and has