The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is calling on the government not to remove vital planning restrictions on supermarket development.
The ACS stance comes in the light of the Barker Review’s recommendations in a report commissioned by the Treasury and Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), which proposes the removal of the ‘needs’ test. This requires retail developers to demonstrate an economic need for the development before an application can be granted.
The report made a number of other recommendations, including presumption in favour of development where the application is within the development plan, or where the plans are indeterminate or not up-to-date, and removing the requirement for planning approval to carry out minor alterations to commercial premises
It also called for increased status, resourcing and skills for local planning officials.
The ACS has voiced “grave concerns” about the review’s decision to make specific recommendations related to retail and reference to the grocery market.
James Lowman, ACS chief executive said: “At a time when the Grocery market is under investigation by the Competition Commission; we think it is extremely unwise and presumptive for this Review to make policy recommendations that would affect planning and development in the grocery market for the local shop sector.”
ACS said that the “needs test” for new superstore development is essential in order to support a balance of shops in local communities. With the growing dominance of the Big four superstores, It said more effective controls on their further development are required, not a further weakening of planning controls.
It is opposing this recommendation and will lead the sector’s lobbying of the DCLG, which sets planning policy.
“We do not believe that the government wants to promote a planning system which significantly increases the freedoms of the very largest businesses at the expense of local small businesses,” Lowman said. “It is ironic that this recommendation comes the day after Nick Hurd MP agreed to table the Sustainable Communities Bill as a Private Members Bill. This Bill is in tune with the public mood in favour of empowering local people to influence decisions, while the Barker Review is advocating the watering- down of local authority powers to put a brake on the ceaseless development of the Big 4 Supermarkets.”
He added: "The remit of this review extends far beyond planning and the grocery market, which is our primary concern. We understand the need for a look at the planning system and to make significant improvements to its operation. We also welcome proposals such as increasing resources and skills for local planners and, subject to seeing the detail, we welcome the removal of requirements for planning approval for minor alterations to commercial premises."
