§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what consultations he has had with the promoters of the over-the-shop campaign about achieving better residential use of excess retail outlets accommodation;
(2) what guidance he has given to high-street retailers in relation to the alternative potential residential use of unused capacity in their premises;
(3) what guidance he has given local authorities to help them promote the use for residential accommodation of spare capacity in retailing outlets.
§ Mr. YeoWe have invited local authorities to bid for £25 million over the next three years to bring flats over shops into residential use. Officials have had discussions with two organisations: Homes over the Shop and Living over the Shop. The latter receives grant from the Department and its director is on our steering group.
A guidance note for local authorities was sent out on 25 November. Similar information will be made available to retailers shortly.