Issue - meetings

(A)   That the Retail and Town Centres Study and appendices (attached at Appendices A and B be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts Local Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications.

(B) That any minor amendments to the content of the Retail and Town Centres Study be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the updated Retail and Town Centre Study, which would provide evidence for the new Local Plan and future planning decisions.

The study assessed retail and leisure needs, reviewed the health of the district’s five town centres and considered changes affecting the sector since 2013. Drawing on market data, stakeholder engagement, business surveys and resident feedback, it concluded that there was no requirement to allocate additional retail or leisure floorspace during the Local Plan period.

Members noted that all five town centres were considered to be in good or relatively good health, although opportunities existed to further strengthen their vitality and viability. The findings would be used to inform future town centre strategies and planning policies.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Resident Engagement seconded the proposal.

Members welcomed the findings of the study and noted that it would provide valuable evidence to support future town centre improvements. Particular reference was made to the differing views of businesses and residents regarding the provision of short-term parking, which was considered a useful insight for future discussions on town centre priorities.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Retail and Town Centres Study and appendices (attached at Appendices A and B) be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts Local Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications.

(B)   any minor amendments to the content of the Retail and Town Centres Study be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth.