Supermarkets are set to have their upward expansion plans restricted according to government proposals.
Planning minister Keith Hill is reported to be proposing that retailers will have to obtain planning permission for any floor space expansion of more than 200 square metres.
The move could mean a crackdown on retailers putting in mezzanine flooring in their big out-of-town stores.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said the unchecked growth of mezzanine flooring in such stores was undermining attempts to protect town centres.
According to a report in the Times, Hill said: “We don’t intend to halt mezzanine development but to bring large increases in retail floor space under planning control to prevent inappropriate development.”
The proposal will be subject to consultation until May 26.
Asda said it had introduced mezzanine floors to around 20 of its 280 stores, allowing it to offer a broader range of products, particularly in the non-food area.
