Planning system to bow to Competition Commission

[PVC King]

http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/ref2006/grocery/pdf/decision_remedies_background.pdf

We have consulted on making changes to the planning system in three areas (changing the sequential test to free up some edge-of-centre locations for new store development, modifying the need test and streamlining the planning system). Whilst these changes could benefit competition by reducing the barriers to entry that the planning system presents to grocery store development, we are aware that (other than in an indirect way) the planning system does not seek to promote competition in grocery retailing. We are recommending that in future more account of competition should be taken in the development plans of local planning authorities but have provisionally decided not to recommend any further specific changes to the planning system (other than the competition assessment described above).

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