Attwood to breathe new life into shopping policy
Published on Wed, 5 Oct 2011
by ecomms@doeni.gov.uk.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today said he will breathe new life into existing retail planning policy.
The Minister hopes to present draft Planning Policy Statement 5 (PPS5) on out of town and city centre shopping to the Executive in two weeks time.
Alex Attwood said: “We need to create certainty around planning applications for our out of town and our city centres. In my opinion, draft PPS5 will help to do that. It is a roadmap towards a more balanced and up to date retail planning policy that is why I will seek the endorsement of the Executive.
"I know there have been legal challenges around PPS5 5. I know that the final version may change on the basis of consultation and comments but I believe we need to move on.”
Highlighting the need for speedy action Alex Attwood said: “The need for this draft Planning Policy has existed for years. It is time to deliver. I have shown decisiveness in other planning matters such as with the Runkerry golf complex on the north coast. I intend to show the same decisiveness with retail planning. What I and DOE planning are about is creating a better place to live, work and invest and draft PPS5 5 can help do that.”
Notes to editors:
1. The original PPS5 on Retailing and Town Centres has been in existence since 1996. The updated draft PPS5 has been in existence since 2006. Minister Attwood wants to take the important step on Executive endorsement to help finalise the policy.
2. For media enquiries please contact DOE Communications tel. 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours, contact EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
