This week I gave evidence to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee. You can see for yourself what I said here, but in summary, I explained our research into the application of the town centre first planning policy, which has actually allowed three-quarters of new retail investment to take place out of town.
ACS has told an influential group of MPs that high streets continue to suffer from the unrelenting stream of out of town developments.
In an evidence session on the operation of the National Planning Policy Framework, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman told the Communities and Local Government Select Committee of the failure of the Government’s ‘town centre first’ policy and the need for change to support high streets.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman has appeared before the Communities and Local Government Select Committee today on the operation of the National Planning Policy Framework and its impact on town centre investment.
During the session, Mr Lowman presented the findings of an independent review of the planning system which showed that 76% of the new retail floor space given planning approval since the new laws came into place in March 2012 have been located out of town.
The Scottish Grocers Federation and ACS have welcomed the call by Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay that urges all public bodies in Scotland to make a commitment to “town centre first” for all their new investment decisions.
Under the principle, public bodies such as councils, the police and the NHS – will be encouraged to invest in such areas, and weigh up the financial pressure of closing down town centre facilities against the benefits of maintaining vibrant, healthy high streets.
