London planners call for use class reform
Published: 28 July, 2010
The London Assembly Planning and Housing Committee has published its report on helping small shops, that could lead to reform of the planning system
The committee has called for changes to local, regional and national planning policies, including the Use Classes Order, to offer more protection for small retailers. Specifically it calls for the A1 use class to be split to prevent stores like butchers, bakers and greengrocers being converted into service businesses like betting shops and internet cafes without going through the planning process.
And at the same time it is proposing a ‘town centre rejuvenation fund’ made up of Section 106 contributions from large retail developments. The fund would be managed by the local authority and business representatives and would address issues such as public realm.
Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “The industry is committed to helping the government effectively deliver its localism agenda and we have always been very supportive of ensuring a mix of fascias on the high street. “Allowing councils to dictate the mix of their central retail offering seems a very sensible way of ensuring communities can have the right mix of local shops. But we need to be realistic in that a new planning class won’t save unviable businesses. If locals really want to use their local shops and they provide good service, selling the right products, they will survive.
And Ian Anderson, head of retail planning at CB Richard Ellis, said: “We welcome recognition that the key to helping retailers is improving the environment in which they operate; creating an attractive location for shoppers and pedestrians. This will become increasingly challenging in the face of public sector cuts and pressure on S106; but should be a priority as should encouraging mixed use development that can provide vitality, a better mix of uses as well environmental improvements.”
