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Get your free copy07 February 2011, 19:32 PM
- The future of Britain's local shops could be saved as the ACS take its campaign to the top
The ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) has called on MPs to support the inclusion of a ‘duty to promote sustainable high streets’ into the Localism Bill, which will dramatically reform the planning process in England.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Our campaign is really taking off. With several MPs already speaking up for sustainable high streets in the second reading debate, we are now looking for those on this crucial committee to take this on and change the law.
“Acting now will ensure our high streets are secure for the next generation. Without this law, we are in danger of allowing an out of town supermarket free-for-all that could cause irreparable damage to the very communities that are the heart of the Big Society agenda,” he says.
“Effective planning law is the only defence for those local communities faced with overwhelming pressure from aggressive supermarket developers. By putting the duty to promote sustainable high streets in law Councils will have the legal authority they need to stand up for high streets and ensure that developers invest there and not out of town,” says Mr Lowman.
