Rugby Libdems fight to retain Local Council planning powers over superstores

9.36.52am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th May 2007

Rugby Liberal Democrats fight to retain Local Planning Controls over supermarkets

Rugby Liberal Democrats

Council planning powers over superstores

The government's Planning White Paper is expected to be published on Tuesday 15th or Wednesday 16th May. It is expected that the government will scrap their 'supermarket needs test' and stop local authorities considering whether a new supermarket is needed when deciding on planning applications.

Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to keep the 'supermarket needs test' and allow local authorities to work to build sustainable communities with appropriate and needed development.

RUGBY LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CALL ON GOVERNMENT NOT TO TAKE AWAY COUNCIL POWERS ON NEW SUPERSTORES

Local Liberal Democrats are calling on the government not to reduce local councils' decision powers over huge new superstore developments.

Small businesses in the Rugby area have come under increasing pressure from big out-of-town superstores, but the government is now considering removing a crucial tool of Rugby Borough council in defending the town.

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.

Local Lib Dem Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, said,

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

"If the Borough 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 this area.

"Whilst we 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."

Notes to Editors:

Contact Jerry 07768 058353

The government's Planning White Paper is expected to be published in the week commencing 14th May.