23821
to construct a Neighbourhood Centre to the Marlton Link Road which will consist of a two-storey structure to contain the following uses: (a) Convenience Retail Unit to the ground floor, (b) Childcare facility to ground floor, (c) Offices and enterprise hub to the first floor, (d) Access from the Marlton Link Road, (e) Car parking, turning and loading areas, (f) Bicycle parking, (g) Waste compound, (h) Hard and soft landscaping, (i) Surface water attenuation system, (j) Connection to existing services, (k) Ancillary works
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to poor design quality characterized by a car-dominated layout, a lack of required social and community facilities for the Marlton Action Area, and insufficient justification for the proposed retail format.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development represents poor quality design and an inefficient use of zoned urban land, resulting in a car-dominated scheme with a poor visual aesthetic and a failure to connect effectively with the surrounding public realm.
- Insufficient information was provided to demonstrate that the proposed retail format and size are appropriate for a small neighbourhood centre or that the development would not contravene objectives intended to protect the vitality of the town centre.
- The proposal fails to include necessary social and community facilities required by the Marlton Action Area objectives, leading to a piecemeal development that would compromise the coordinated and sustainable development of the area.