Retail and Leisure Planning
Halls advises a range of private sector developers, development managers, retailers and institutional investors on retail planning matters
At Halls we are the lead consultant on a variety of projects in the retail and leisure sector, with a proven track record of delivering planning permission for town center uses while also addressing relevant planning policies. Our expertise includes retail, cinemas, food and drink, gyms, and other commercial leisure uses such as trampoline parks and ten-pin bowling.
Strategic Planning Solutions
Halls provides innovative and successful strategies to facilitate the delivery of retail and other main town center uses. Our approach is informed by detailed consideration of both quantitative and qualitative factors, a sequential approach to site selection, and a thorough analysis of the potential trading effects of new development.
We have also served as an expert witness in planning appeals and Local Plan Examinations for proposals and policies related to retail and town center uses.
Expert Advice and Evidence-Based Solutions
Halls has extensive experience in preparing planning applications for a range of retail, leisure, and town center uses throughout the UK. Our team offers robust evidence and advice to support new development, from major retail and leisure proposals to standalone single use development.
Our in-depth knowledge of retail and town center policy, best practices, and relevant case law allows us to provide dynamic and highly commercial solutions to ensure the best outcome for our clients.
Planning Requirements for Retail (including Food stores)
Retail is considered as a main town center use and is subject to the sequential approach and impact test as per planning policy. The sequential approach requires new retail development to be directed to established town centers or district centers before considering out of town locations. The impact test assesses the impact of the proposed development on the existing retail and town center hierarchy.
To secure planning permission for retail, a comprehensive and robust evidence base is required that addresses relevant planning policies and considers the sequential approach and impact test. The evidence should demonstrate that the proposed development is the most appropriate location and meets the requirements of the retail tests, including the impact on existing town and district centers.
Halls experience in the retail sector has allowed us to provide innovative and successful strategies for our clients, ensuring the delivery of planning permission for retail while robustly addressing relevant planning policies. Our team of experts provides advice, prepares robust evidence and provides support to secure planning permission.
Planning Requirements for Cinemas
Cinemas are considered as a main town center use and must adhere to the sequential approach and impact test as per planning policy. The sequential approach requires new cinema development to be directed to established town centers or district centers before considering out of town locations. The impact test assesses the impact of the proposed development on the existing retail and town center hierarchy.
To secure planning permission for cinemas, a comprehensive and robust evidence base is required that addresses relevant planning policies and considers the sequential approach and impact test. The evidence should demonstrate that the proposed development is the most appropriate location and meets the requirements of the retail tests, including the impact on existing town and district centers.
Halls extensive experience in the leisure sector has allowed us to provide successful strategies and robust evidence for cinema developments. Our team of experts provides advice and support to secure planning permission while adhering to relevant planning policies and ensuring the best outcome for our clients.
Planning Requirements for Food and Drink Uses
Food and drink uses are considered as a main town center use and must adhere to the sequential approach and impact test as per planning policy. The sequential approach requires new food and drink development to be directed to established town centers or district centers before considering out of town locations. The impact test assesses the impact of the proposed development on the existing retail and town center hierarchy.
To secure planning permission for food and drink uses, a comprehensive and robust evidence base is required that addresses relevant planning policies and considers the sequential approach and impact test. The evidence should demonstrate that the proposed development is the most appropriate location and meets the requirements of the retail tests, including the impact on existing town and district centers.
Halls extensive experience in the food and drink sector has allowed us to provide successful strategies and robust evidence for food and drink developments. Our team of experts provides advice and support to secure planning permission while adhering to relevant planning policies and ensuring the best outcome for our clients.
Planning Requirements for Gyms
Gyms are considered as a main town center use and must adhere to the sequential approach and impact test as per planning policy. The sequential approach requires new gym development to be directed to established town centers or district centers before considering out of town locations. The impact test assesses the impact of the proposed development on the existing retail and town center hierarchy.
To secure planning permission for gyms, a comprehensive and robust evidence base is required that addresses relevant planning policies and considers the sequential approach and impact test. The evidence should demonstrate that the proposed development is the most appropriate location and meets the requirements of the retail tests, including the impact on existing town and district centers