Three quarters of people are opposed to any changes in UK planning law that would make it easier to build out-of-town supermarkets, according to a poll.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) believes the findings of the poll, carried out by GFK-NOP on behalf of the association, send a powerful signal to government as it prepares to publish its recommendations for the future of the ‘Town Centre First’ planning policy in the next few weeks.
The survey, which interviewed 1,000 adults in the UK from January 11-13 this year, revealed that 64 per cent of people thought that large out-of-town shopping centres and supermarkets were harmful to town centres.
A total of 77 per cent surveyed in the poll said that they wanted a mix of branded retailers, independents and market stalls in their town centres. And more than two thirds of people believe that they are not given enough say in the planning decisions that affect their retail community.
The findings add weight to the burgeoning campaign to ensure a healthy future for the high street and for retail choice. Behind this, influential organisations including ACS, Friends of the Earth, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the National Federation of Women’s Institute and Food Access Network are working together to provide consultation on proposed changes to planning policy.
“Public opinion is clearly against any move to liberalise planning laws regulating out-of-town shopping centres, said ACS chief executive, James Lowman. “It is important that Government understands that not only is there a consensus of opinion among environmental, social and consumer champions, but the public also agrees. This gives further momentum to our campaign at a critical time….
“This finding is a timely reminder to the Competition Commission that building more supermarkets is not the way to increase choice for consumers. The choice that people value is that between different types of store, not just between more large clone stores.”
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