Retailers are viewing the prospect of a Labour government as an oportunity to re-open the debate on out-of-town shopping.
Still smarting from the tough rules introduced earlier this year by Environment Secretary John Gummer, two top retailers claimed on Friday that they have been encouraged by the conciliatory response they have received from shadow planning minister Keith Vaz.
Speaking at the Planning for Prosperity conference at London’s Canary Wharf, David Sainsbury and Sir Geoff Mulcahy of Kingfisher made unequivocal calls for a relaxation of the restrictions on out-of-town development.
David Sainsbury, chairman of the food retail group, said that the decline of some town centres could not be blamed wholly on out-of-town competitors. He cited the London suburbs of Bromley, Kingston and Watford as examples of towns which had thrived at the expense of other neighbouring centres, especially those that suffered from poor access and traffic congestion.
“I am concerned about the embargo on out-of-town development and the arguments that this is the only way of preserving the vitality and viability of our town centres. It would be more productive to encourage the improvement of town centres.” Sainsbury also called for an increased commitment to town centre management.
Kingfisher chief executive Sir Geoff Mulcahy echoed Sainsbury’s theme. “I welcome Labour’s willingness to consult,” he said. Mulcahy pointed out that out-of-town retail spending grew from £35bn in 1990 to £47bn in 1995. “Three-quarters of all retail growth in 1995 occurred out of town, while the High Street was virtually static,” he said. “Retailers can’t develop their businesses against the grain of consumer demand.”
But there were some dissenting voices at the conference. Owen Luder, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects said: “I accept that there is consumer demand for out-of-town shopping, but that shouldn’t be allowed to destroy our cities.”
EGi News 23/09/96
