HC Deb 20 April 1988 vol 131 cc487-8W
63. Mr. Favell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he uses, with particular reference to the impact on employment in the inner cities, when deciding upon planning applications for out-of-town shopping centres; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

I refer my hon. Friend to a planning policy guidance note on major retail development (PPG6) issued by my Department and the Welsh Office on 20 January this year. Copies are in the Library. The note advises that, exceptionally, it will be necessary to consider whether the cumulative effects of other recent and proposed large scale retail developments in a locality could seriously affect the vitality and viability of a nearby town centre as a whole.