Retail Capacity Study RFQ

To deliver a Retail Capacity Study to provide a robust and credible evidence base to inform the Council's work in the preparation of the emerging Local Plan taking into account changes since the previous evidence base was prepared.

The Retail Study needs to be cognisant of some of the following significant recent changes: Changes in policy -Implication of the introduction of Use Class Changes 2020/2021 on town centres and out of town centre properties, as well as taking into account the requirements of the NPPF and the PPG; Changes in the economy - The impact of Brexit on town centres and the retail sector.

An up-to-date and authoritative economic forecast needs to be adopted for the study; Impact of Covid-19 - The impact of Covid 19 on the high street /town centres/out of town centres and wider impact on online retail.

Changes in market - The above has had an impact on the property market dynamics both in terms of local demand and developers' ability to access finance.

A Retail Capacity Report providing qualitative and quantitative need for retail in Saffron Walden, Dunmow, Stansted Mountfitchet, Thaxted, and other local centres in the District including: • Description of existing retail facilities within the District, and • Identifying the role, the centres play in meeting the needs of customers.

Assessment of: • recent changes in circumstances and shopping patterns, not least the effects of the recession, • Impact and implications of Covid 19 on the retail sector, • the requirements of the NPPF and changes to the Use Classes Order, • the future need and (residual) capacity for retail floorspace for the period over the lifespan of the emerging Local Plan; • the existing network of centres; • development of plan policies and potential allocations; and • recommendations on how each centre can develop its role.

To inform the opportunities of retail allocations and development management policies guiding the vitality and viability of town centres.

Key Centres and other local centres.

All applications should be submitted to Uttlesford District Council by 12 noon on June 24th to localplan@uttlesford.gov.uk All further details are referenced in the brief documents.