Adverse effects from non-residential activities can be tangible or intangible. Tangible adverse effects may include:
- the potential for increased noise and traffic generation
- visual detraction associated with building scale and appearance
- signage and lighting
- expanses of car parking
- overshadowing and loss of privacy.
Intangible adverse effects may include:
- loss of residential coherence through a reduction of on-site occupation and isolation from residential neighbours
- a perception that the character of the neighbourhood is changing and in decline.
Positive effects of non-residential activities may include:
- cheaper entry costs for new businesses, particularly where these are initially small scale
- economic and employment growth
- providing a wider range of accessible local services
- clustering of businesses providing mutual support and self sufficiency.
As part of a planned mixed-use community, non-residential activities may help facilitate less dependency on car travel and enhance urban sustainability. For some people, a mixed-use urban environment will be a more diverse and interesting place to live.
