Belfast retail impact assessment threshold

In the Belfast context it is considered that a threshold of 1000m² was appropriate because of the likely impact that out of centre shops of that scale would have in an urban context due to the proximity of nearby centres. Anything above this could have the potential to cause significant adverse impacts on the vitality and viability of Belfast's hierarchy of centres. Policy RET 2 therefore identifies that proposals for retail or other main town centre uses of 1000m² gross or above, on the edge of or outside of designated centres, must be accompanied by an impact assessment and an assessment of need. This should consider: • the impact of the proposal on existing, committed and planned public and private investment in centres in the catchment area of the proposal; and • the impact of the proposal on the vitality and viability of centres, including local consumer choice and trade.