The Cookham Plan

Findings and Recommendations

Housing and Development Group

11. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Identify the stock of business premises in Cookham, their quality, effects on nearby premises and the type of development that may take place in the future.

11.2 Stock

We have identified the following business premises in Cookham.

11.3 Quality and Impact on Residents

We have not been able to make any assessment of the quality of these premises.

Their impact on residents is wide ranging. On the positive side, they provide employment and are an important part of the character of Cookham. There have, however been a number of problems associated with business premises in close proximity with residential properties. For example:

• Parking problems where there is insufficient on-site parking for staff or customers (e.g. the offices in the former garage site at Cookham Dean, shops and restaurants in the High Street).

• Congestion caused by deliveries (e.g. pubs and restaurants in the High Street).

• Noise from music, plant and customers from pubs. There are concerns that this will worsen when smoking is banned and more people congregate in the street.

• Smells (e.g. restaurants).

It is important that these negative impacts are minimised if Cookham is to retain its valuable mixed economy.

11.4 Specific Planning Policies aimed at businesses in Cookham

The impact of business operations on certain aspects of life in Cookham is recognised within the adopted plan by the inclusion of several specific policies.

These are listed below together with (for completeness) the only other Cookham specific policy which deals with traffic matters.

CKM1 - Cookham Village - Retail Role 

The Borough Council will not approve proposals which would detract from the character of the Cookham High Street conservation area by:

CKM2 -Cookham Rise - Retail Role

The Borough Council will not approve proposals which would result in a loss of existing retail, - (class A1)( 3.7) units either through change of use or redevelopment within the commercial centre of Cookham Rise as defined on the Cookham Rise inset map (see Figure 11-2), unless it can be shown that the vitality and viability of the centre will not be harmed.

CKM3 - Cookham Village - Commercial Development

The Council will not permit the change of use to, or development for, additional commercial floor space within Cookham Village centre.(see) this includes uses in class A1, A2, A3 and B1 of the 1987 Use Classes Order( 3.7) as well as other commercial uses outside those classes.

Figure 11-2 Cookham Rise Commercial Centre

click on map for large image

click on map for large image

The redevelopment of existing commercial premises in Cookham Village will only be acceptable if:

1. it consists of a scheme providing a mix of uses; and

2. it does not result in a business use (B1) on the ground floor in a shopping frontage; and

3. it includes a residential element where appropriate, and in any case does not involve the loss of a residential unit; and

4. the design, materials and landscaping contribute to an enhancement of the conservation area; and

5. there is no intensification of commercial uses on the site; and

6. adequate car parking is provided in accordance with the council's adopted standards as set out in appendix 7.

CKM5 - Cookham Rise

Proposals for B1 development involving a net increase in floor space of less than 300 sq metres will be acceptable within the commercial centre of Cookham Rise as defined on the inset map, where this does not involve 

1. the loss of retail floor space or change of use on the ground floor of premises with a shopping frontage; or

2. the loss of a residential unit; or

3. the loss of a community use (use class d1 - non-residential institutions).

CKM6 - Highway and traffic management proposals

The Borough Council will investigate means of enhancing the Cookham Village Conservation Area and improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

1. traffic calming measures in the Pound with associated pavement widening;

2. the provision of improved facilities for pedestrian safety in Cookham village, including Cookham bridge;

3. environmental enhancement measures in the high street and around the war memorial, including a review of on-street parking provision.

11.5 Key Findings

• Cookham has a significant business community working from over 120 premises. This forms a welcome and important part of the local scene where appropriately located and responsibly operated.

• Businesses and their customers can, however, have a negative impact on their neighbours. Business owners and the planning department should be sensitive to this and take all practical measures to minimise their interference with nearby occupiers.

• The impact of these business operations on residents should be given serious consideration when making and enforcing planning decisions.

11.6 Action Plan

Ref Proposal Purpose Responsibility Timescales What needs

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