In a landmark review of Britain’s high streets and town centres, Mary Portas has questioned the impact of the Government’s controversial planning reforms on the long-term viability of town centres, saying: “I am worried that the guidance has been softened to the point where far too much out-of-town development may be possible.” [1]

Later in her report, Portas goes on to say: “If anything, the presumption in favour of ‘sustainable development’ may make edge-of-town and out-of-town developments more likely.”

Graeme Willis, Senior Rural Policy Campaigner at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), says: “We welcome this report, which gives the Government a perfect opportunity to make improvements to its proposed changes to planning policy.

“Portas makes it clear that it is not good enough to take a ‘laissez-faire’ approach to planning if we want to achieve the right kind of economic growth. This approach will lead to more out of town mega stores and supermarkets that suck the life out of town centres.

“CPRE’s research, which maps local food networks, has shown these large out of town and edge of town superstores often disrupt and destroy local supply networks and economies, undermining the distinctiveness that has made many of our town centres so vibrant and diverse. [2]

“This report adds to the overwhelming case for a fundamental revision of the Government’s planning reforms. We urge Ministers to seize the opportunity it presents.”

End

Notes to Editors
[1] Mary Portas, ‘The Portas Review,’ 13 December 2011, page 31.
[2] CPRE, Mapping Local Food Webs: http://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-do/farming-and-food/local-foods