§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers local authorities have to require supermarkets to source a proportion of their products from local suppliers in considering the granting of planning permission; and if he will make a statement. [143083]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe sourcing of products by supermarkets is not normally a material planning consideration. There may, however, be circumstances where it could be demonstrated that the impact of a new supermarket would result in a significant reduction in local purchasing, which in turn would result in material harm to the local economy. For example, in a market town where local food shops currently source their stock locally, a significant reduction in local purchasing as a result of a new supermarket opening and local food stores reducing their purchasing or going out of business could have an adverse effect on the local economy. In such circumstances this might be a material consideration and, if so, would be taken into account in making the decision.