HC Deb 16 February 1972 vol 831 cc395-6
5. Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a further statement on his policy concerning the development of out-of-town shopping centres and supermarkets and the effects that they can have on established urban centres.

Mr. Graham Page

A note of guidance on the factors to be taken into account in dealing with applications for planning permission for such developments will be published early next week.

Mr. Clarke

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. I assure him that the note of guidance will be very welcome in view of the growing number of applications for development of this kind all over the country. As an increasing number of disappointed developers will appeal to the Secretary of State in those cases, can my hon. Friend assure us that as a matter of policy, planning permission will not be given in any case where a development would damage a well-established shopping centre in a small or medium-size town?

Mr. Page

It would be wrong for me to prejudge any particular case, but this is one of the major factors which we take into account when judging appeals.

Mr. Spearing

Would the Minister agree that if any permission were given for a centre of this kind it would tend to skim the cream off the market, because it would be accessible by private transport, thereby putting those who rely on public transport at a still greater disadvantage?

Mr. Page

Indeed, but one must balance the advantages against the disadvantages. There are certain advantages in economy of scale and in the convenience of car shoppers and the relief of traffic congestion. Balanced against that, one must think of the possible damage to city centres and high streets.