Just to be clear Nick, the 75% retail space ratio isn't applicable to the whole town centre, just to this specific site.The site has a mixed use allocation based on a floorspace ration of 75:25 retail to residential use, and that allocation was first introduced by the Brentford Area Action Plan back in 2008, and followed through to the September 2015 Local Plan.Both documents were subject to independent examination (as they have to be) from an Inspector prior to formal adoption.I think the problem, for what of a better word, is that people see that ratio and take it as gospel/set in stone, whereas firstly it is merely a broad brief for the site, and secondly the brief does goes on to state that the supermarket plays an important role with regards to the provision of a large floor plate for retail floorspace, but also a diversification of uses could also contribute to the regeneration of the town centre.I've said many times on here previous that any notion of a scheme providing 75% retail floorspace is complete pie in the sky. This is a town centre site, there's absolutely no need or justification for a two-storey supermarket or separate retail uses on the upper floors, although it would be good to see Brentford offer more community facilities.There is however strong national and local planning policy support and associated guidance for high density residential within previously developed town centre sites.I do agree that the site brief as originally set out in the BAAP, and subsequently followed through to the Local Plan, shouldn't have set stated such an unrealistic ration, although I look more at the failure of the independent Inspector who reviewed the Local Plan to amend the ratio, because whilst those of work who work in the business know it isn't gospel, it does set an unrealistic expectation to the average person in the street.
Adam Beamish ● 2911d