Belfast·SPG009 Retail and Main Town Centre Uses·Page 25·3.6.5
Unit Size and Impact Restrictions Rationale
Convenience and comparison unit sizes are restricted to reflect their position in the hierarchy and prevent adverse impacts on existing centres' vitality and viability, and local need must be demonstrated.
The restrictions set out under criterion (a) seek to ensure that the size of both convenience and comparison units reflect their position within the overall hierarchy of centres and do not adversely impact the vitality and viability of existing centres within the council area. Criterion (b) seeks to ensure that there is an identified local need for a proposal. This should consider population trends including whether there has been and is likely to be an increase in the population within the catchment. It should also consider whether there are any comparable types of shops within the catchment and if the retailer is already represented within it.
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