What is an impact assessment?

An impact assessment is a methodologically evidenced based approach to determine the relative effect that a proposed development will have on the wider centre hierarchy. The purpose of the impact assessment is to consider the impact over time of certain out of centre and edge of centre proposals on designated centres vitality, viability and investment. The test relates to retail and main town centre uses which are not in accordance with up-to-date plan policies and which would be located outside existing centres. It is important that the impacts assessed relate to all the centres within the proposal catchment designated centres, and not necessarily just those closest to the proposal. The affected centres may be within neighbouring authority areas and these need to be assessed.