From The BBC:
Traditional high streets could be put at risk from out-of-town shopping areas unless proposed changes to planning rules are scrapped, MPs have said.Ministers want to replace the “need test”, which aims to prevent excessive retail park or supermarket development. However, the communities select committee wants it retained to prevent town centres being damaged. Communities Minister John Healey said the changes meant “greater safeguards for the high street, not less”. The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed the MPs’ report. ‘Undesirable effects’The need test was created in response to complaints that smaller shops were being damaged by chains developing larger stores. It forced planning committees to address whether the local community needed the proposed superstore. However, a 2005 review of planning regulations found the test was having “undesirable effects”, such as restricting competition and consumer choice. The government announced plans to scrap it two years later. It wa…
Leave a Reply