ACS prepared to engage with authorities over new planning system

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has pledged to work with the government and local authorities to make sure the planning system works for communities and the retailers who serve them.

Its comments followed the launch of a government consultation seeking views on proposals to reform the planning system in England.

The Planning for the Future white paper focuses on transitioning from a case-by-case discretion-based planning system towards a rules-based system.

The consultation includes proposals to simplify Local Plans by identifying land under three categories:

• · growth areas suitable for substantial development – where outline approval for development would be automatically secured for forms and types of development specified in the plan;
• · renewal areas suitable for some development, such as gentle densification – where there would be a general presumption in favour of development established in legislation; and
• · protected areas where development is restricted – where new planning applications would be required and judged against the National Planning Policy Framework (except where permitted development rights apply).

Councils will have 30 months to divide up areas into growth/renewal/protected designations following the passing of legislation

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “This is a significant change to planning policy, and it matters to our members because this sets the framework for which stores get built where, and how the communities we serve will change into the future.

“The planning system needs to strike a balance, supporting new development where it is needed, enhancing communities, and promoting investment and economic growth. We know that the Town Centre First policy has played an important role in pushing investment into centres and communities rather than out of town, and we’ve seen the benefits of this during the pandemic as most people have been able to access food and essential services close to their homes. This must continue to be as feature of the new system.”