Keep the 'Supermarket Needs Test'.
May 14, 2007 10:18 PM
Alan Beddow in Warwick Town Square.
Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Alan Beddow is calling on the government not to reduce local councils' decision powers over huge new superstore developments.
Small businesses in Warwick and Leamington have come under increasing pressure from big out-of-town superstores, but the government is now considering removing a crucial tool of Warwick District council in defending our local high streets.
The government's review of planning suggested that they scrap the 'needs test', which allows local planning authorities to decide supermarket planning applications based on need, but local Liberal Democrats have hit back saying that scrapping it would stop the council objecting to supermarkets taking business away from local shops.
Local Lib Dem campaigner, Alan Beddow, said, "We have an excellent balance between vibrant and prosperous town centres with traditional shops and specialist stores existing alongside our supermarkets. Maintaining the balance is vital to maintaining our town centres. I have seen the effects of getting this wrong in the town near where my mother lives, too many supermarkets and some bad decisions have made the town into a ghost town. Even the pound shops are closing."
"At the moment Warwick District Council is able to make decisions about whether a supermarket is needed during the planning process. This helps keep the balance of trade in each town. A lot of our high street shops are concerned about the effect that more gigantic supermarkets setting up out of town will have on their business and the high street generally."
"If our council cannot say 'No' to supermarkets when they are not needed, how will they ever be able to stop them undermining the high street in Warwick or Leamington."
"Whilst people in Warwickshire are campaigning to protect our high street and local community, the government is seeking to undermine our efforts and make it easier for big businesses to drive local shops, like the Post Office and newsagents, out of business."
"I'm calling on the government not to scrap the 'supermarket needs test' and to give power back to our local community so we can save our town centre and help it grow into the hub of our sustainable, vibrant community."
If you feel as strongly about this as I do, then sign our petition online now.
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