Bank of England policymaker Kate Barker made a number of planning recommendations in a report commissioned by the Treasury and Department for Communities and Local Government.
Some of these included: abolishing the needs test - which requires applicants for retail development to demonstrate there is an economic need for that development - and removing planning approval as a requirement, even for minor alterations to commercial premises.
The ACS believes strongly that the needs test for superstore development is essential in order to support a balance of shops in local communities. They also said that that more effective controls on development are required, not a weakening of planning controls.
The ACS also has concerns about the review's decision to make specific recommendations related to the grocery market.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: 'At a time when the grocery market is under investigation by the Competition Commission, we think it is extremely unwise and presumptive for this review to make policy recommendations about planning and development in the grocery market that would affect the local shop sector.
'We do not believe that the Government wants to promote a planning system that significantly increases the freedoms of the very largest businesses at the expense of small local businesses.'
However, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said Barker has produced a number of bold and sensible proposals, which could increase retail expansion.
BRC director general Kevin Hawkins said: 'The report is right to recognise that our inefficient planning system is a barrier to retail growth, productivity and wider economic development.'
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