§ Lord Graham of Edmontonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of industrialists' increasing tendency to justify planning applications to convert factories into retail and distributive premises on the grounds of a potential loss of manufacturing jobs; and what action they intend to take.
§ Lord BelsteadPlanning applications for the use of buildings for retailing and distribution must, like all planning applications, be considered on their individual merits in the light of all material planning considerations, which will include any existing use of the buildings concerned and any relevant provisions of the development plan. Our planning guidance is that development control must avoid placing unjustifiable obstacles in the way of development for purposes relevant to economic prosperity.