Library Facilities

11.16 There are main library facilities in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill. There is scope to expand the Haverhill Library. The Bury St Edmunds site is more constrained and may not be able to accommodate further expansion. However, there may be opportunities to extend the library service in Bury St Edmunds by the provision of branch facilities outside the town centre.

11.17 There are smaller branch libraries and other library outlets in a number of villages. The Borough Council is keen to encourage the development of this service in other settlements in St Edmundsbury.

POLICY FC1: COMMUNITY SERVICES

Development that will result in the loss of community services will be permitted only where:

• a) it can be demonstrated that there is no demand for the use and that the building/site is not needed for any alternative social, community or leisure use; or
  b) replacement provision is made of at least equivalent standard in a location that is accessible to the community it serves by sustainable modes of transport.

The local planning authority will encourage the provision of community services which serve a local need, subject to the following sequential approach being applied to site selection:

• 1. The reuse of previously developed land and buildings within Housing Settlement Boundaries;
  2. Previously undeveloped sites inside Housing Settlement Boundaries;
  3. Sites adjacent to Housing Settlement Boundaries which are well suited to achieving sustainable development and reducing the need to travel, particularly by private car.