Planning minister Brandon Lewis MP has revealed the government is not collecting data on whether retail floor space is built in or out of town centres.
Speaking at an evidence session to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee this week, Lewis responded to research conducted by the Association of Convenience Stores that suggests too many out-of-town developments are being permitted.
He questioned the methodology of the ACS’ research, but when asked about what data the government collects, he said: “We don’t collate that sort of information from local authorities”.
The ACS found that 70% of proposed retail development applications were for out-of-town-centre locations since the National Planning Policy Framework came into force in March 2012. In the same period, statistics on approved developments revealed 76% of gross retail floor space was permitted in out-of-town areas.
“[The government] don’t collect information or statistics on where retail floor-space is built, whether it’s out of town or in town centres. Does the government know anything about anything that’s being built anywhere in the United Kingdom?” questioned Simon Danczuk MP.
By not monitoring planning rulings, the government damaged high streets and “goes against consumer trends towards more local shopping”, warned ACS chief executive James Lowman.
“Without the confidence that major developers can only get from rigorous adherence to a town-centre first policy, they will look to cheaper, easier out-of-town developments. The government either does not understand this, or it has lost interest in planning policy.”
ACS levied part of the blame on the plans submitted to local authorities, claiming that existing development plans are usually “inadequate” to provide a clear guide for assessors.
ACS’ findings revealed 68% of applications for retail development were for grocery space, encompassing nine superstores, 17 supermarkets and eight discount supermarkets.
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