Deposit Draft Local Development Plan - Rhondda Cynon Taf

6.166. Primary shopping frontages have been redefined to cover the parts of thecentre of Pontypridd where Class A1 uses predominate. They relate to onlythe street level of premises. The clustering of A1 uses is consideredbeneficial for the vitality, viability and attractiveness of Pontypridd retailcentre. Therefore, in the primary shopping frontages, the policy givespriority firstly to A1 uses and secondly to A2 and A3 uses. The test of nonviabilityis included for flexibility to avoid long-term vacancies that wouldhave a detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the primaryretail frontage. Planning applications would need to be supported byevidence of a protracted history of vacancy or of lack of response togenuine efforts to market the premises for the preferred use over asignificant period.6.167. Within the Key Settlements of Llanharan and Tonyrefail this policyrecognises that A2 and A3 uses add to the vitality of a centre by attractingcustomers and increasing “footfall”. It also recognises that other uses canhave the same effect – amusement centres, clinics, health centres,laundrettes, opticians, public service offices, surgeries, for example, butapplications will need to be supported by evidence, for example footfallestimates, that the proposed use would comply with this policy. The policyseeks daytime opening hours for A3 uses to encourage cafés andrestaurants that complement the retail uses. Hot food takeaway premisesthat are closed during the day make a limited contribution to the vitalityof retail centres, therefore in the larger centres further growth of these isdiscouraged.Policy SSA 18 - Major Road SchemesIn addition to those schemes identified in Policy CS 8 land will besafeguarded and provision made for the development of the strategichighway network in the Southern Strategy Area, including:1. Tonyrefail Bypass and Ynysmaerdy to Coed Ely Dualling,2. A473 Llanharan Bypass, and3. A473 Talbot Green Bypass Dualling.6.168. In addition to the strategic schemes identified in Policy CS 8 the Councilwill promote the development of three further road schemes in theSouthern Strategy Area. The schemesproposed are essential to improveaccessibility for local residentsto services, and improve theenvironment by removingvehicles from congestedroutes.6.169. Details of each ofthe proposedallocations arecontained inAppendix 1.Preserving Our Heritage, Building Our Future111