Local AM calls for stricter planning control on supermarket expansion

9.38.35am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 9th Jan 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has expressed her concern that current planning procedures are inadequate to assess applications from supermarkets.

The local AM is backing her party's calls to revise planning policy to help safeguard Wales' high streets.

Ms Williams said: "I want to promote and develop vibrant and thriving town centres across Wales. The unchecked expansion of supermarket domination threatens to strangle the life out of our towns, villages and cities. Welsh Liberal Democrats would revise the planning policy on out-of-town centre supermarkets so that their retail impact on towns is fully considered and environmental assessments are undertaken as a matter of course.

"At the moment these assessments only take into account the impact on general food retailing. I want to make sure that the impact of out-of town developments on all retailers in the area is considered, alongside the environmental impact of the proposed development such as congestion and pollution impact.

"Current planning policy has failed to keep-up to speed with the new breed of supermarkets that sell a lot more than just food and build mezzanine floors not included in the original proposals. Communities should be given the power to protect their high-streets and restrict supermarkets where they want it.

"We must be careful not to say never to the big supermarkets. But planning permission for out-of-town developments must not be the death warrant for our local traders. The existing local provision of newsagents, pharmacies and clothes shops must be a bigger factor when approving new developments. We mustn't forget the environmental impact of travelling out of town to do your shopping.

"Big supermarkets should also give something back to the local communities. Where they do get planning permission they should be required to invest in local community projects and environmental schemes."