Retailers could soon be able to build out-of-town superstores once more, following a change in planning policy by the government.
At the same time, policy makers have also acted to close a loophole allowing the multiples to double the trading space inside their stores without planning permission
John Prescott’s office of the Deputy Prime Minister announced developers could get permission to build on Greenfield sites if there’s no suitable inner-city land available in certain areas.
Planning minister Keith Hill announced the new approach in a policy guideline which urges town halls to be more active in pushing the case for city centre shopping centres.
He said: “In the past, out of centre developments has been eroding the vitality of towns, sometimes resulting in social and economic decay. We want to see a sustainable mix of development which enhances consumer choice and meets the needs of the entire community.”
The government also said it was likely to close the loophole which allowed retailer to put in mezzanine flooring without planning permission. Asda reportedly has plans to build 40 mezzanine floors to expand rapidly.
