Local shops lie at the heart of communities and efforts should be made so that the identity of these is maintained, MPs said yesterday.
Speaking at the Association of Convenience Stores’ Heart of the Community event, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said these shops provide an “invaluable service” especially as the country enters a recession.
Planning minister Iain Wright added: “The balance has tipped too far creating high streets which are bland replicas of each other, dominated by big chains. Identikit high streets are squeezing out smaller shops.”
He said smaller retailers threatened by increased competition should be adequately protected and a revised impact test will allow councils to turn down developments if they look to impact negatively on local areas.
The MPs met after a report by the ACS said local shops are increasingly important for convenience and choice.
However, it added that policy intervention is required so consumers get more out of their closest stores.
ACS chief executive welcomed the discussions that took place in London and said they were a fantastic way for retailers to engage with MPs.
Liberal Democrat shadow minister for business, enterprise and regulatory reform Lorely Burt concluded convenience stores should have a “level playing field to trade on”.
She commented: “This includes ensuring that banks who have been bailed out by the taxpayer pass on fair credit terms, that small business rate relief is paid and ending the practice of upward-only rent reviews.”
