Planning 'not the problem' for small retailers, says BRC

The difficulties that some small retailers face are not the result of failings with the planning system, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Reacting to the London Assembly's "Cornered Shops" report, published today. the BRC said it welcomed the focus on supporting small shops, but felt a more effective solution would be improving local trading conditions.

Tom Ironside, BRC's head of business environment, said: "Independents are a vital part of the retail mix. The latest UK figures show there's been a 5.6% increase in independent retail stores in a year, with butchers, bakers and fishmongers showing particularly strong increases.

"Ultimately all the power in retailing rests with customers. They decide which retailers thrive.

"National planning policy favours a town-centre first approach. What's really needed is concrete action to support local trading environments. This includes improving parking and giving more priority to tackling all forms of retail crime, as highlighted in our 21st Century High Streets report."

Source: BRC

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