9.4

Policy 9.4 - Mixed use permitted in zones of interest

instances identified in Business Policy 5.

The above Policies need to be understood in the context of the whole Strategic Plan, and the nature and needs of each locality. As stated in Paragraph 9.4.5 of the Strategic Plan:

"It is accepted that in some circumstances a mix of uses can be appropriate within town centre locations such as residential flats above retail units or office accommodation, particularly where this can help to ensure the use of the area at different times during the day, thus helping to ensure the security and vitality of these areas."

Douglas Town Centre

Douglas Town Centre performs a number of different functions, being the primary location for traditional retail and office accommodation and evolving uses associated with these in the modern marketplace. The character of the town centre is undoubtedly changing and being flexible to accommodate a variety of functions that are crucial if Douglas is to remain a dynamic, interesting place. Market stalls, for instance, for seasonal or weekend events are often a welcome addition to a vibrant streetscape, and these temporary uses are supported.

From a retail perspective, Douglas town centre is relatively healthy with few vacant stores at any one time. Many town centres are retracting and a balance does need to be struck between centres having the ability to adapt and change without damaging the vitality of the central core. Map 5 shows a clear and reasonable Douglas town centre boundary focused on an obvious core area. The town centre boundary and extent of the Mixed Use Areas were considered at length during the Inquiry and the final coverage of the 'town centre' was given firm direction in the Inquiry Report.

Area Plan objectives for town and village centres

This Plan recognises the principles of sustainable development when it comes to town and village centres and supports such areas being used for a mix of retail, office, food and drink tourism, cultural and residential development which all interplay together to help ensure the vitality of centres. Centres should be places where people work, live, shop, access local services and should be designed to minimise the need to travel and are accessible safely and conveniently by non-car modes of travel - walking, cycling and public transport. Signs of decline can be reversed by positive action to encourage increased activity to help re-vitalise the centres to ensure their continued viability.

Objectives:

• The principle that town and village centres are the physical heart of their communities.
• The hierarchy of centres set out in the Strategic Plan is the starting point for centre development;
• A defined Douglas town centre allowing for a range of suitable sites to meet the modern needs of the Capital and protecting against the loss of typical town centres uses to out of town locations. This is to take advantage of existing services and high levels of accessibility;
• The continued regeneration of the Douglas town centre;
• It is important to identify areas of special character and use, defining them by recognising their group value;
• Allowing small scale development in local service centres and villages which meets identified local needs and/or maintains the viability of local services and the attractiveness of those localities as places to live, fostering sustainable communities.
• Reconnecting the communities in the Plan Area by service provision and fostering of local community identity.

Area Plan desired outcomes

1. Focused, compact and attractive centres.
2. Focused 'centre' uses in the core areas of existing settlements, with new neighbourhood centres in sustainable urban extensions over the lifetime of the Plan of appropriate scale to ensure well thought out sustainable communities.
3. Implementation of the Central Douglas Masterplan proposals.
4. Proposals identifying Comprehensive Treatment Areas (please see Chapter 13).
5. A plan which promotes the use of vacant urban sites and premises through encouragement of site assembly, joint venture development and a framework to relieve blockages brought about by land ownership complications, which could extend the range of retail uses and activity in the town centre and thus retain expenditure.
6. Promotion of the town centre area as a residential location (especially on upper floors) to encourage evening activity and retain residential catchment expenditure.
7. Enhanced attractiveness through public realm and landscaping improvements and better connections across the town centre in terms of access and movement and active travel options which will contribute to an accessible and convenient Douglas town centre.
8. Enhanced town centre retail functions in terms of choice and location.
9. Developed centres in terms of visitor destinations and general tourism offer.

Key Strategy Documents

The Retail Study 2009

This set out to investigate approaches needed to create a revitalised and improved Douglas town centre, with a sustain