Draft Retail and Commercial Development Supplementary Planning Guidance consultation

Draft Retail and Commercial Development Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) has been prepared for public consultation.

The purpose of this SPG is to support and provide further direction on the implementation of the retail and commercial development policies contained within the Adopted Bridgend Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP, March 2024). 

It outlines further guidance on retail and commercial development to protect the vitality, attractiveness, and viability of the designated retail centres in accordance with the approach outlined in National Planning Policy.

This guidance aims to assist applicants and decision makers when considering specific changes of use in retail centres and other town centre developments, in accordance with the policies contained within the RLDP, National Plan 2040 (Future Wales) and in light of other material considerations to ensure the County Borough’s retail centres are sustainable in the long term.

This SPG will be a material consideration in the determination of all planning applications for retail and commercial development including applications for renewal of consents. 

The SPG provides specific guidance on:

• Development in commercial centres of Bridgend, Porthcawl and Maesteg (including Primary Shopping Areas, Secondary Shopping Areas and outside of shopping areas but within commercial centres)
• Non A1, A2 and A3 uses in commercial centres outside of Bridgend, Porthcawl and Maesteg
• Retail development outside of retail and commercial centres.