POLICY THIRTEEN: CHANGE OF USE

OBJECTIVE 19 Protect existing employment premises from change of use or redevelopment where the existing businesses are of demonstrable benefit to the community

i. Within the Core Retail Area, Fig the loss of Class E uses (formerly A1, A3, A5), as a result of proposals for change of use or for redevelopment for non-retail use (C3), where prior approval is not given, will generally not be supported.

ii. Proposals for change of use or redevelopment which would result in the loss of Class E retail use will only be acceptable if they demonstrate the following:

• The premises or site is shown to be no longer required for retail use in terms of need or demand, by the premises or site having been marketed for a period of not less than one year for retail use and no occupier having been found. Full details relating to the marketing must accompany any proposal.
• That the alternative use proposed will be deliverable and make a positive contribution to the sustainability, vitality and viability of Shepton Mallet.