LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO KEEP COUNCIL POWERS OVER SUPERSTORES

Published on Wed 16th May 2007

Liberal Democrats on Gloucestershire County Council are calling on the government to drop plans to reduce the powers of local councils over huge new superstore developments.

Small businesses in Gloucestershire have come under increasing pressure from big out-of-town superstores, but the government is now considering removing a crucial tool of Gloucestershire's Councils for defending the County's 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 more distant supermarkets taking business away from local shops.

Liberal Democrat spokesman for Planning, Cllr Dr John Cordwell, said:

"Every local shop I visit is concerned about the effect that gigantic supermarkets setting up out of town will have on their business and the high street generally.

"If councils in Gloucestershire cannot say 'No' to supermarkets when they are not needed, how will they ever be able to stop them undermining our high streets?"

"While people in Gloucestershire are campaigning to protect our high streets and local communities, 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."

Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Jeremy Hilton, said:

"Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats are calling on the government not to scrap the 'supermarket needs test' and to give power back to our local communities so we can save our town centres and help them grow into the hubs of a sustainable and vibrant County."