Changing planning policies for large stores

Traditionally, the south‐east has lagged behind the north in the provision of superstores and hypermarkets. Now this position is changing with the development southwards of Asda and other companies. In addition, the search by the major multiples for superstore sites has become even more competitive. What effect does government policy, especially as expressed through Development Control Policy Notes, have on this changing pattern of retailing? In this special feature, Paul Whysall asserts that the current system for evaluating major retail proposals often appears vague and inconsistent; he suggests that retail change may well anticipate policy review.