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Brentwood Local Plan 2016 - 2033 (Pre-Submission, Regulation 19)

Representation ID: 22252

Received: 12/03/2019

Respondent: Wood International Agency Ltd

Representation Summary:

Poor retail mix in town centre discouraging footfall and growth. Greater diversity is needed to drive footfall.There is a captive consumer base within the Brentwood area, high socio economic, wealthy, big spenders who are being largely ignored. The town centre does not have a high end retail offer to meet the desires and needs of these high spenders - it is a wasted opportunity. There isn't a high quality delicatessen, butcher or bakery. If rent are prohibited then a review is needed in conjunction with landlords.

Full text:

A competitive town centre environment is one which has a diverse retail mix. As a growing vibrant town centre Brentwood needs to see a more varied and engaging retail mix to drive footfall and encourage a broader profile of consumer. Whilst there is some increase in the independent retail offer, mainly due to increased profile of the town from TOWIE, this is targeted at a very narrow segment of consumer and will not alone drive footfall and encourage increase in spend on the high street. We also see too many charity shops and far too much beauty/hair. There is a captive consumer base within the Brentwood area, high socio economic, wealthy, big spenders who are being largely ignored. The town centre does not have a high end retail offer to meet the desires and needs of these high spenders - it is a wasted opportunity. There isn't a high quality delicatessen, butcher or bakery. Also missing is a premium mens/womens/childrens clothing and footwear offer. Homewares and gifts are also poorly represented. Take a look at villages in the local area such as Ingatestone and Shenfield where this can be found. If rents are prohibitive to the growth of the town centre the a review needs to be conducted in conjunction with landlords.