ACS

MPs have voiced their concern about possible proposals by the Competition Commission to change planning policy. The motion tabled in Parliament states that MPs believe that proposals under consideration would further weaken planning policy, allowing more out of town supermarket developments to be built.

Lindsay Hoyle, Labour Member of Parliament for Chorley, said; “We believe that the effect of such a change would increase even further the Big Four’s dominance in retail shopping in UK communities, and curtail vital independent outlets of shopping, such as corner shops and street markets.”

The MPs are calling on the Government to reject any moves in this direction, including the removal of the planning needs test, and instead to introduce a stronger policy that includes a test for diversity, to ensure that planning policy will help to create greener patterns of development and real choice for consumers in their communities.

James Lowman, ACS’ Chief Executive said; “We welcome this motion by Lindsay Hoyle and will be calling on all MPs to support it. Now is a crucial time for MPs to show their support for a strong and fair planning policy.”