Denis Naughten
Question:195 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the status of his review of the retail planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31830/03]
Written Answers. - Retail Sector Developments.
On 19 August 2003 I announced a review of the retail planning guidelines on the floor space cap on retail warehouses contained in the guidelines. The guidelines prescribe a maximum floor area of 6,000 sq. m. gross retail floor space for large scale single retail warehouse development. This cap is being reviewed, taking account of the need to ensure effective competition in this sector of retailing and ongoing developments in retail formats, while also having regard to issues of proper planning and sustainable development. Central to this review will be the potential impact of the national spatial strategy on the guidelines and the need to ensure cities and towns have the range of retail facilities that supports their attractiveness and competitiveness for investment and population growth.
To assist in carrying out the review, I invited interested parties to make submissions to my Department. The closing date for receipt of submissions was 3 October 2003, by which time 64 submissions had been received by my Department. All these submissions are being assessed and will be fully taken into account in considering further whether any changes are needed in the guidelines. I intend that the process will be completed as quickly as possible.