SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)·Page 100·6.289
Assessment of need for retail developments
In the absence of an up-to-date Local Development Plan, councils must require applicants to prepare a proportionate assessment of need for main town centre uses, including quantitative and qualitative assessment of local needs and committed development proposals.
In the absence of a current and up-to-date LDP, councils should require applicants to prepare an assessment of need which is proportionate to support their application. This may incorporate a quantitative and qualitative assessment of need taking account of the sustainably and objectively assessed needs of the local town and take account of committed development proposals and allocated sites.
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