News story

Bob Neill writes to The Times about town centres

Town centres first Sir, Contrary to suggestions in Alice Thomson’s article (Opinion, Sept 28) the coalition Government is firmly committed…

• From: Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2018 to 2021) and Bob Neill
• Published: 30 September 2011

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Town centres first

Sir,

Contrary to suggestions in Alice Thomson’s article (Opinion, Sept 28) the coalition Government is firmly committed to supporting our town centres. Our planning reforms actually safeguard a “town centre first” policy for new retail development to help to protect the high street. It states clearly that councils should recognise town centres as the heart of their communities and should pursue policies to allow them to thrive.

Strengthening our town centres goes hand-in-hand with reforms to make the planning system work in the interests of all our communities.

Bob Neill, MP
Local Government Minister

Published 30 September 2011