Government announces tougher test to protect high street
11 Jul 2008

The new proposals are designed to strengthen the Government's 'town centres first' policy - and give councils more scope to refuse out of town development proposals that threaten the survival of high streets and small shops.

These revised planning rules mean that:

the 'sequential test' that requires the most central town centre sites to be developed first would be kept
a tougher 'impact test' would be introduced which will give councils a better tool to prevent big developments that put small shops and town centres at risk.
Using this test, Councils would examine more factors including retail diversity, consumer spending, loss of trade, impact on town centre investment, scope for regeneration and job creation to ensure the vibrancy of town centres and high streets is protected against harmful development.
the 'need test' would be removed.

These proposals have today been put out for public consultation, and ActSmart will providing input through our membership of the Independent Retailers Confederation

Launching the consultation in a keynote speech at the Royal Town Planning Institute Annual Convention, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said:

"Town centres are the hearts of our communities. I want to see our town centres and independent shops busy and thriving and I'm absolutely committed to help defend their future. That is why we need to ensure that our policies maintain their effectiveness and they are responsive to future challenges."

"We need a policy which provides the right degree of protection for smaller retailers who are facing very challenging trading conditions and increased levels of competition. I'm keen to see this stronger policy working for town centres... it is imperative that we support them during the challenging times they are facing. I believe that the strengthened rules will guide future town centre development by giving Councils the tools to attract investment and protect and promote their high streets."

Closing date for responding to this consultation is 3 October 2008. Full details can be found here: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pp6consultation

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