Communities and Local Government written question – answered at on 14 March 2011.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
(1) what plans he has to modify Planning Policy Statement 4 to introduce a test to give local authorities greater powers to control the numbers of small supermarket outlets in town or city centres;
(2) if he will bring forward legislative proposals to give local authorities greater powers to control the numbers of small supermarket outlets in town or city centres.
The Government are committed to supporting town centres which are at the heart of our communities and neighbourhoods. Current national planning policy within planning policy statement 4 “Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth” asks local planning authorities to plan for a strong retail mix so that the range and quality of retail on offer meets the requirements of the local area and, where appropriate, to take measures to protect and enhance the established character and diversity of their town centres.
Our “town centre first” policy will continue to be strongly expressed in the forthcoming national planning policy framework. Indeed, the Government’s firm intention in reviewing the policy is to make it more accessible and clearer. We will publish the draft framework for consultation in the summer.
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