ACS Opposes Proposal to Remove 'Needs Test' for New Superstores
06 Dec 2006
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the campaigning voice of local shops, is calling on Government not to remove vital planning restrictions on supermarket development. This is in light of the Barker Review’s recommendations in a report commissioned by the Treasury and Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
The report recommends:
• Abolition of the ‘needs’ test, which requires applicants for retail development to demonstrate that there is an economic need for the development before an application can be granted.
• Presumption in favour of development where the application is within the development plan, or where the plans are indeterminate or not up-to-date.
• Removing the requirement for planning approval for minor alterations to ‘commercial’ premises.
• Increased status, resourcing and skills for local planning officials.
ACS also has grave concerns about the Review’s decision to make specific recommendations related to retail and reference to the grocery market.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive said, “At a time when the Grocery market is under investigation by the Competition Commission; we think it is extremely unwise and presumptive for this Review to make policy recommendations that would affect planning and development in the grocery market for the local shop sector.”
“ACS believes strongly that the “needs test” for new superstore development is essential in order to support a balance of shops in local communities. With the growing dominance of the Big 4 superstores, ACS advocates that more effective controls on their further development are required, not a further weakening of planning controls.
ACS is opposing this recommendation and will lead the sector’s lobbying of the DCLG, which sets planning policy.
Continues Mr Lowman, “We do not believe that the Government wants to promote a planning system which significantly increases the freedoms of the very largest businesses at the expense of local small businesses.
“It is ironic that this recommendation comes the day after Nick Hurd MP agreed to table the Sustainable Communities Bill as a Private Members Bill. This Bill is in tune with the public mood in favour of empowering local people to influence decisions, while the Barker Review is advocating the watering- down of local authority powers to put a brake on the ceaseless development of the Big 4 Supermarkets.”
James Lowman also commented on the broad objective of the review: “The remit of this review extends far beyond planning and the grocery market, which is our primary concern. We understand the need for a look at the planning system and to make significant improvements to its operation. We also welcome proposals such as increasing resources and skills for local planners and, subject to seeing the detail, we welcome the removal of requirements for planning approval for minor alterations to commercial premises.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7 4864448
Notes:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The report can be viewed here.
3. The Association of Convenience Stores has submitted evidence to the Competition Commission on the effect of planning on competition in the grocery market.
The report recommends:
• Abolition of the ‘needs’ test, which requires applicants for retail development to demonstrate that there is an economic need for the development before an application can be granted.
• Presumption in favour of development where the application is within the development plan, or where the plans are indeterminate or not up-to-date.
• Removing the requirement for planning approval for minor alterations to ‘commercial’ premises.
• Increased status, resourcing and skills for local planning officials.
ACS also has grave concerns about the Review’s decision to make specific recommendations related to retail and reference to the grocery market.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive said, “At a time when the Grocery market is under investigation by the Competition Commission; we think it is extremely unwise and presumptive for this Review to make policy recommendations that would affect planning and development in the grocery market for the local shop sector.”
“ACS believes strongly that the “needs test” for new superstore development is essential in order to support a balance of shops in local communities. With the growing dominance of the Big 4 superstores, ACS advocates that more effective controls on their further development are required, not a further weakening of planning controls.
ACS is opposing this recommendation and will lead the sector’s lobbying of the DCLG, which sets planning policy.
Continues Mr Lowman, “We do not believe that the Government wants to promote a planning system which significantly increases the freedoms of the very largest businesses at the expense of local small businesses.
“It is ironic that this recommendation comes the day after Nick Hurd MP agreed to table the Sustainable Communities Bill as a Private Members Bill. This Bill is in tune with the public mood in favour of empowering local people to influence decisions, while the Barker Review is advocating the watering- down of local authority powers to put a brake on the ceaseless development of the Big 4 Supermarkets.”
James Lowman also commented on the broad objective of the review: “The remit of this review extends far beyond planning and the grocery market, which is our primary concern. We understand the need for a look at the planning system and to make significant improvements to its operation. We also welcome proposals such as increasing resources and skills for local planners and, subject to seeing the detail, we welcome the removal of requirements for planning approval for minor alterations to commercial premises.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7 4864448
Notes:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The report can be viewed here.
3. The Association of Convenience Stores has submitted evidence to the Competition Commission on the effect of planning on competition in the grocery market.