ACS

The latest attempt to protect Britain’s high streets are set to fail, warns new research commissioned by ACS.  The research, conducted by the University of Stirling, suggests that high streets are becoming less diverse at the expense of supermarket developments, and that variety in town centres is taking a back seat in planning considerations.

The new planning policy statement (PPS4) published in December was heralded by Ministers as a toughening of high street protections and achieving a diverse mix of large, small and specialist shops was identified as a key objective.

However, environmental groups and organisations representing local shops and town centres are warning that the policy threatens diversity.

In a separate nationwide poll commissioned by ACS, 1 in 5 people believe that they have a poor choice of shops in their local high street, and over 50% of people were found to believe that there are not enough regional or local independent stores in their community.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: "Local, independent shops help to give a community a real sense of identity. Our research shows that people feel that towns across the country are losing their identity and they want reassurances that something will be done about it. The policy will be implemented at a time when there has been severe pressure on high streets across the country.”

"The Stirling study exposes the weaknesses in current understanding of what retail diversity is, and the lack of practical tools for promoting and protecting the retail mix that makes high streets strong and differentiates one place from the next.

"This study raises understanding of the challenges in measuring, promoting and protecting diversity and challenges Ministers to give practical leadership to Councils.”

ACS unveiled the research on the eve of a major conference on high street planning and is communicating with councils to help them to put in place effective retail diversity policies at the local level.

Friends of The Earth Food and Farming Campaigner Helen Rimmer said: “Time and again the Government has refused to protect the high street - and time is now running out. The Government and councils must act now to protect local shops and choice in communities across the country.”