Mr. Michael FosterTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance he gives to local planning authorities assessing applications for out-of-town retail developments which provide enabling development for the benefit of local communities. [155038]
§ Yvette CooperThe. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not provide any specific guidance on this issue. Section 54A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires planning applications to be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Key material considerations include national planning policy such as PPG13: Transport, on the location of development, and PPG6 on Town Centres and Retail Developments. PPG6 indicates that all out-of-centre retail development should be assessed in line with the policy. Other material considerations, as draft PPS6: Planning for Town Centres indicates, may include physical regeneration, employment, economic growth and social inclusion, but the draft guidance does not specifically refer to enabling development.