ACS - Association of Convenience Stores Ltd.

03/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/10/2026 10:00

ACS Reiterates Importance of Town Centre First Planning Policy

ACS has responded to a consultation on reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, outlining the importance of prioritising new retail sites in town centre locations while also recognising the vital role that secondary shopping areas and local parades play in serving communities.

In the consultation, the Government confirms its intention to retain the core principle that main town centre uses should be considered within existing centres where possible, and development outside of town centres only considered when suitable town centre sites are not available.

The reforms do however put an enhanced focus on diversity in town centres to address what they call the 'oversupply' of retail floorspace and to create more opportunities for residential accommodation.

ACS has long supported the retention of town centre first planning decisions, and the use of the Sequential Test (suitable town centre sites being prioritised over out of town locations) to ensure that trade is not drawn out of town centres, weakening high streets and reducing access to local shops and services.

In the submission, ACS warns that an enhanced focus on diversity in planning decisions, particularly diversity in terms of changing retail space to residential space, could have the unintended consequence of causing long term harm to town centres if a critical mass of retail space offering different products and services is not retained.

ACS chief executive Ed Woodall said: "High streets and town centres are already under significant pressures as a result of online competition, rising rates and running costs, and changing consumer habits. It is important that these areas are provided with robust support through the National Planning Policy Framework to ensure that investment is driven in the right locations, and in turn support the Government's wider objectives of creating jobs and opportunities in local communities."

ACS' full response to the consultation is available on the ACS website here
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