The areas designated ‘OTHER RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL’ provide commercial services to the general public at out-of-centre and edge-of-centre locations, i.e. outwith the defined areas of Town Centres and other traditional shopping centres (separate provisions apply to the City Centre). These are substantial areas that may be considered suitable for a variety of uses falling within Class 1 (Shops), Class 2 (Financial, Professional and Other Services), Class 3 (Food and Drink), Class 11 (Assembly and Leisure), and related sui generis uses.

This designation does not, however, indicate a presumption in favour of retail or commercial leisure development, and is subject to the proviso that proposals conform to the relevant policies of the Plan, particularly those relating to the sequential approach to site selection. The Council will seek to maintain and improve the quality of the environment of these areas by supporting developments that will preserve or enhance their amenity and urban design quality and by resisting those that would detract from it.