DM30 Upper Floor Locations in Town Centres - Alternative Option

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Comment

Development Management Policies DPD

Representation ID: 25526

Received: 29/04/2010

Respondent: The National Trust Rayleigh Mount Local Committee

Representation Summary:

There are distinct advantages to having residential accommodation above shops and commercial premises in town centres. People living very close to, or in, town centres tend to use the shops rather than go out of town, because it is convenient to do so. This helps to ensure the town centre shops have a source of custom. Also, it helps to ensure town centres do not become "dead areas" after the shops' closing times. Residents are inclined to report vandalism/rowdy behaviour to the police, because it is in their interests to do so. In addition, town centre residential use reduces pressure to build new residential development on the edges of towns, thus preserving the green belt, and preventing urban sprawl. For these reasons, I am inclined to support the alternative DM30 Option, rather than the preferred option, to get as much accommodation as possible. The question of parking provision is not mentioned in the text. However, it is important to consider this aspect in relation to town centre accommodation.

Full text:

There are distinct advantages to having residential accommodation above shops and commercial premises in town centres. People living very close to, or in, town centres tend to use the shops rather than go out of town, because it is convenient to do so. This helps to ensure the town centre shops have a source of custom. Also, it helps to ensure town centres do not become "dead areas" after the shops' closing times. Residents are inclined to report vandalism/rowdy behaviour to the police, because it is in their interests to do so. In addition, town centre residential use reduces pressure to build new residential development on the edges of towns, thus preserving the green belt, and preventing urban sprawl. For these reasons, I am inclined to support the alternative DM30 Option, rather than the preferred option, to get as much accommodation as possible. The question of parking provision is not mentioned in the text. However, it is important to consider this aspect in relation to town centre accommodation.