CB Hillier Parker says John Prescott has thrown down the gauntlet to retailers who want large out-of-town formats.
The deputy prime minister has rejected a string of proposals for superstores on the grounds that they take trade form town centres and increase car use. He is preparing planning guidelines to prevent further out-of-town developments.
Tesco is arguing with Prescott over his ruling that a £20m superstore at Rugely, Staffordshire, would affect the “vitality and viability” of the town centre. Tesco says the store is edge-of-town and not out-of-town.
The Guardian 14/01/03 page 23
