We recently surveyed the 28 businesses that have ‘shop fronts’ in Handbridge to seek their views on areas where additional planning policies for our neighbourhood might be a help. In the New Year all residents will also be asked for their views in the detailed survey that will be sent to every house in the Area.
The results of the business survey were helpful. We had a 46% response rate. Everyone agreed with the areas that we have identified for ‘shop front’ businesses.
Here is a summary of the feedback we received:
Q1: Some neighbourhoods have policies to restrict ‘big brand’ multiples from displacing small businesses. Would this be helpful for Handbridge?
85% Yes. The limited number of business premises in Handbridge should be available to smaller local businesses.
8% No. There should not be any restrictions on the businesses that can locate in Handbridge.
Q2: There are very few areas of Handbridge which could be used for larger businesses, such as a supermarket. Should we endeavour to draft policies that restrict the use of these areas for wider community benefit?
69% Yes. It is undesirable for us to have large businesses like supermarkets within Handbridge.
31% No. If a supermarket or other larger business found a site in Handbridge this might help my business.
Q3: Do you think that policies to enhance or regulate parking in Handbridge would assist your business?
92% Yes. Additional short-term parking is needed near my business.
8% No. Parking is very limited and new policies are unlikely to help.
Q4: Handbridge has a limited number of small business premises and this might reduce if some were converted to residential use. Do you think policies to restrict residential conversion should be considered?
61% Yes. We need to keep the limited number of existing locations for smaller businesses.
31% Maybe. Conversion of upper floors of some premises to residential whilst retaining lower floors for businesses would probably be satisfactory.
8% No. Landlords and owners should not be subject to any additional restrictions in Handbridge.
Thank you to all the business people that responded. Please give us any further comments that you may have.
Handbridge Neighbourhood Plan 