Sequential test for out-of-centre retail development

This policy supports Belfast as the primary location, by specifying the scale and form of development considered appropriate and by detailing criteria for the assessment of out of centre development, particularly in respect of retail impact and need within the catchment. A sequential test sets out the requirements for developments for main town centre uses. The test is intended to ensure that retail developments (and other types of development that are appropriate to be situated within town centres) will not end up in a location that would draw away trade from the town centre. This will be applicable to the evaluation of proposals for main town centre uses from the retail core along the hierarchy of centres.