HC Deb 03 December 1991 vol 200 c79W
Mr. Sheerman

To 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. Yeo

We 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.