Labour and Tories both move to help small shops

Under-threat small shops were given two lifelines today as the Government and the Tories both unveiled plans to safeguard them.

A shake-up of planning laws designed to curb out-of-town superstores and protect the character of high streets was unveiled by the Government today.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears' changes are geared to stop the spread of "clone towns" as the credit crunch bites.

It came as a report from the Conservatives said large supermarkets must "mentor" small shops in their area rather than push them out of business.

The cross-party moves are a major boost for the Evening Standard's campaign to protect independent retailers who bring character to London.

Under the reforms, councils will be able to block new developments on sites miles away from town centres if they risk bleeding existing precincts dry.

Currently planners have only to decide whether there is enough demand to sustain a superstore, rather than on the impact it will have on small businesses.

The move comes as a Competition Commission investigation revealed that supermarkets now hold monopolies in 200 parts of the country.

Launching the proposals in London today Ms Blears said: "Town centres are the hearts of our communities. I want to see our town centres and independent shops busy and thriving.

The Tories' Commission Into Small Shops In The High Street said big chains such as Tesco and Sainsbury's enjoyed huge built-in advantages over smaller rivals. Assisting independent stores' "well-being" ought to rank alongside reducing their carbon footprint as ethical duties for big chains, it said.

The recommendation is one of dozens to reverse the decline of small retailers, who are vanishing at a rate of about 2000 a year. Today's report, A Strategy for Successful Community Hubs, attempts to reverse the view of big supermarkets as "small-shop killers" and suggests local communities "work closely with large chains." One proposal is for big retailers to display maps highlighting small shops in the area.

The commission hopes its ideas will be adopted as official Conservative policy for the next election. Tory leader David Cameron said he regards small shops as the "lifeblood" of communities. Other recommendations include:

Keeping the planning law "needs test" so supermarkets have to prove there is local demand for new branches. Ministers propose to abolish the test.

Inserting a "diversity test" into planning guidance to ensure town centres and high streets retain "well-sited and affordable small retail outlets".

Make coffee shops a separate category-from retailers to stop high streets being overwhelmed by big coffee chains.

Give councils the right of final refusal on planning application appeals.

Allow a short period of free parking at council car parks for "nip in-nip out" shopping trips.

The commission includes former trade secretary John Redwood and James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores.