Commons Debate Jan 2012
There was great demand by MPs to speak at the recent House of Commons Backbench Business Committee debate on the Future of Town Centres and High Streets. Of particular interest are the comments of Grant Schapps, Minister for Housing and Local Government who is tasked with the Govenment response to the Portas Review.

CLG Select Committee Dec 2011
The Communitees and Local Government Select Committee report of its inquiry into the draft NPPF has recommended several changes, in particular the contuation of a strong town centres first policy that includes offices, and the possible provision to allow absolute protection from out-of-town development in exceptional circumstances.

Portas Review - Final Dec 2011
The BIS/Mary Portas review of the Future of  High Streets has been published. Alongside the main report, additional research on ‘Understanding High Street Performance’ has also been published. See also the BIS press release. A Government response is due in the spring.

NPPF Response Oct 2011
The NRPF response to the consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework is now available to view here.

Town Centres and the NPPF Aug 2011
While there has been much press coverage of housing and countryside aspects of the draft NPPF, an article in Planning (registration required) considered potential impacts on town centres and High Streets.

Is the High Street Doomed? Aug 2011
BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme devoted a recent edition to looking at the state and prospects of the High Strret

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