HC Deb 23 July 1986 vol 102 cc267-8W
47. Mr. Key

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the implications for inner areas and town centres of the growth of out-of-town shopping centres; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tracey

Development proposals of this kind have to be assessed individually and in relation to local circumstances. Our general policy is that it may be necessary in exceptional circumstances to take account of the cumulative effects of recent and proposed large scale retail development in the locality, and to consider whether they are on such a scale and of a kind that they could seriously affect the vitality and viability of a nearby town centre as a whole.