Leading MP Sparks Planning Debate at ACS event
27 Sep 2006
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) event at the Labour Party Conference saw a strong debate on how the planning system is working for the retail sector. Dr Phyllis Starkey MP, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Committee, set out the case for retailers being more involved in the planning system and urged greater efforts to ensure there is choice within retail markets at the local level.
Dr Starkey said: “The planning system at the local, regional and national levels works well if it is based on sustainable development principles. Within this there needs to be a balance of retail provision between different types of operators.
“The planning system should help to ensure choice for retail consumers. Local independent shops are a vital part of that choice.
“It is vitally important that local people and businesses are engaged in that strategy making process. I urge any business that has a concerns about how retail is being planned for in their area to get involved by talking to their local planning department or their Councillors.”
ACS Director of Public Affairs, James Lowman who also spoke at the event said: “We are delighted to have facilitated such an important debate at an important time for policy discussion in this area.” In his comments he stressed that: “Planning should not be distorted to reward those retailers that benefit from scale rather than skill. The planning system should promote true competition and choice for consumers.”
Mr Lowman also confirmed that ACS had met with Officials from Treasury and the Department for Communities and Local Government to discuss ACS’ response to the Barker Review of Land Use Planning, he continued: “We have made it clear to the Barker Review team that removing restrictions on large retail development is not the answer to competition problems in the grocery market. We believe that problems with large retailers dominating the planning system are the symptom rather than the cause of competition problems in the market place and de-restricting retail planning rules would not solve the problem.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The ACS event Your Local Shop Its Future was chaired by the Co-operative group and took place on Wednesday 27th September at the Radisson Hotel, Manchester.
2. ACS will be hosting an event at the Conservative Party Conference, taking place on 4th October at the Highcliffe Hotel, Bournemouth at 12:45.
3. The ACS submission into the joint Treasury and Department for Communities and Local Government led Barker Review of Land Use Planning is available by contacting ACS on 01252 515001
Contact:
Michael Saxton Grappa PR
020 7486 4448
Dr Starkey said: “The planning system at the local, regional and national levels works well if it is based on sustainable development principles. Within this there needs to be a balance of retail provision between different types of operators.
“The planning system should help to ensure choice for retail consumers. Local independent shops are a vital part of that choice.
“It is vitally important that local people and businesses are engaged in that strategy making process. I urge any business that has a concerns about how retail is being planned for in their area to get involved by talking to their local planning department or their Councillors.”
ACS Director of Public Affairs, James Lowman who also spoke at the event said: “We are delighted to have facilitated such an important debate at an important time for policy discussion in this area.” In his comments he stressed that: “Planning should not be distorted to reward those retailers that benefit from scale rather than skill. The planning system should promote true competition and choice for consumers.”
Mr Lowman also confirmed that ACS had met with Officials from Treasury and the Department for Communities and Local Government to discuss ACS’ response to the Barker Review of Land Use Planning, he continued: “We have made it clear to the Barker Review team that removing restrictions on large retail development is not the answer to competition problems in the grocery market. We believe that problems with large retailers dominating the planning system are the symptom rather than the cause of competition problems in the market place and de-restricting retail planning rules would not solve the problem.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The ACS event Your Local Shop Its Future was chaired by the Co-operative group and took place on Wednesday 27th September at the Radisson Hotel, Manchester.
2. ACS will be hosting an event at the Conservative Party Conference, taking place on 4th October at the Highcliffe Hotel, Bournemouth at 12:45.
3. The ACS submission into the joint Treasury and Department for Communities and Local Government led Barker Review of Land Use Planning is available by contacting ACS on 01252 515001
Contact:
Michael Saxton Grappa PR
020 7486 4448