Environment

The aim of this study is to provide an up-to-date comprehensive picture of current and future capacity for retailing and leisure in Bradford Metropolitan District, which will be used to accurately determine planning applications and to inform the emerging Local Development Framework. This study will also assess the existing network of larger and smaller centres in Bradford Metropolitan District and the function and effectiveness of the current retail hierarchy.

The objectives of the study are to:-

• Undertake a ‘health check’ on the vitality and viability of the City and Town Centres and District and Local Centres in accordance with advice set out in Planning Policy Statement 6 – Planning for Town Centres.
• Confirm the appropriateness of or suggest amendments to the Bradford Replacement Unitary Development Plan (adopted October 2005) defined City, Town, District and Local Centre boundaries.
• Quantitative and Qualitative assessment of the need (in accordance with PPS6 advice) and justification for additional retail and leisure development up to 2008, 2013 and 2018.
• Assess the potential for incorporating additional retail and leisure developments within City, Town, District and Local Centres
• Advise on the need to plan for expansion or contraction of the Centres within the Bradford District.
• An assessment of the net ‘leakage’ of retail expenditure from the Bradford catchment area to:- a) competing retail centres, b) catalogue shopping, and c) internet shopping.
• Advise on the relevant retail hierarchy of Bradford Metropolitan District’s Centres within the Leeds City region context.
• Advise on a strategy for retail and leisure development through recommendations, so as to inform the emerging Local Development Framework.

The Retail & Leisure Study was completed in June 2008. These documents are available below.

The Retail & Leisure Study is also available upon request. Please note that due to the size of the the Appendices, these are available on a CD upon request.