Sheffield Green Party has called for better protection and support for small and independent local shops. This in turn will help local communities and reduce unnecessary travel.
David Hayes, the Greens’ planning spokesperson, said :
‘Local shops play an important social and economic role, including meeting the needs of older and disadvantaged residents, particularly those with mobility problems. Also, more than half the turnover of independent retailers goes back into the local community, compared to a tiny proportion from supermarkets. We believe Sheffield Council should protect existing shopping centres and local shops through stronger planning policies.’
The Greens have made these arguments in their recent response to the current consultation on the Sheffield Development Framework which ended on 31 August.