§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will announce a new grant aid scheme to encourage owners to change shops which are no longer in commercial use to residential use; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe house renovation grant arrangements already provide assistance to convert buildings, including disused shops, into living accommodation.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to issue planning 277W directives which encourage developers of large stores in Wales to use and adapt existing shops and other properties that lie empty in town and village shopping centres rather than build large new premises on the outskirts of town; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodPlanning policy guidance note 6, "Town Centres and Retail Developments", emphasises the role of existing town centres and village shops, and encourages local planning authorities to provide positive policies in development plans to encourage uses that will contribute to town centre vitality and viability.