Vol. 575 No. 4
56 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date in the review of the retail planning guidelines relating to the floor space cap on retail warehouses; when he expects that the process will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28447/03]
On 19 August 2003 I announced a review of the retail planning guidelines regarding the floor space cap on retail warehouses contained in them. The guidelines currently prescribe a maximum floor area of 6,000 square metres gross retail floor space for large-scale single retail warehouse developments. That cap is now being reviewed, taking account of the need to ensure effective competition in the retailing sector and ongoing developments in retail formats, while also having regard to issues of proper planning and sustainable development. Central to the review will be the potential impact of the national spatial strategy on the guidelines and the need to ensure that cities and towns have a 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 of those submissions are now 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.
