Object

Preferred Options

Representation ID: 47202

Received: 27/07/2012

Respondent: Green Party

Representation Summary:

The idea of "future retail growth" is fanciful. With lack of economic growth and rapid expansion of internet shopping, it is unlikely that all the existing empty shops will ever re-open. Any new developments would be at the expense of existing shops e.g.Clarendon Arcade would reduce the number of shops in South Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth. NPPF says 'It is important that needs for retail, leisure, office and other main town centre uses are met in full' but does not suggest that retail growth is required. Therefore no provision for improbable retail growth is required.

Full text:

As with the Economy section of this consultation, the idea of "future retail growth" is probably fanciful and certainly optimistic. With lack of economic growth and rapid expansion of internet shopping, it is unlikely that all the existing empty shops will ever re-open. If new developments are built and operate successfully they would be at the expense of existing retail locations. For example the proposed Clarendon Arcade would reduce the number of shops in South Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth. It should be noted that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) says 'It is important that needs for retail, leisure, office and other main town centre uses are met in full' but does not suggest that retail growth is required. Therefore no provision for improbable retail growth is required.