The Assembly’s Planning and Housing Committee has today published ‘Cornered shops’ which sets out ways in which both tiers of London government could do more to ensure the capital’s high streets don’t lose valued local stores.
Measures proposed include the creation of a ‘town centre rejuvenation’ fund from Section 106 levies imposed on larger retail developments the lobbying of Government to “sub-divide” the existing A1 Class for shops to separate “essential” services such as newsagents and greengrocers from “service based” uses so that that planning permission is required to change between them.
Jenny Jones AM, who is Deputy Chair of the Committee, said: “People in residential areas need local shops that provide essential services that they can walk to. They do not need rows of betting shops and internet cafes, or to have to travel to supermarkets by car.
“The Mayor must lead on changing the planning system to empower boroughs to take back control of their high streets and protect local shops from further decline.”
The full report can be downloaded from the London Assembly website
