The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has today launched
an inquiry into high streets in towns and small cities.
High streets, which were once the heart of local communities up
and down the country, have faced numerous changes that have made
it difficult for businesses to remain open.
Recent challenges include the rise of online shopping, the impact
of the Covid-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures changing
consumer behaviour and leading to high operational costs for
businesses.
Between March 2020 and March 2022, 9,300 retail outlets on high
streets closed in Britain, with department stores, clothing shops
and banks among the categories with the highest number of
closures.
This inquiry will seek to understand how high streets can be
regenerated and become more resilient and attractive. It will
consider the different uses of high streets by various
communities and businesses and what is essential for them to
flourish economically and socially.
Given the shift in working and shopping patterns post-pandemic,
it will look at how high streets could adapt and remain
successful in the future. The inquiry will explore what types of
spatial design and transport connectivity could allow greater
footfall and better accessibility.
It will assess whether the Government’s vision and support for
high streets is fit for purpose and whether local authorities
have the right tools to help local areas thrive. The committee’s
focus is on England, as many relevant matters are devolved in
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
, Chair of the House of Lords
Built Environment Committee, said:
“High streets, which many people consider as a hub for their
communities, face numerous challenges. Our inquiry will explore
how high streets can be regenerated and become more resilient and
attractive.
“To inform our work we want to hear from as broad a range of
people as possible. If you have a view on any aspect of our
inquiry, look at our call for evidence and let us know what you
think.”
The committee is seeking answers to the following questions:
- How do you define a high street in a town or small city and
what is its purpose?
- What should be included on high streets to meet the needs of
the whole community?
- What are the obstacles to bringing underused property on the
high streets back into use?
- Who is involved in ensuring a thriving local high street and
does the current structure of Government support facilitate those
groups in working together?
- What role does the planning process have in determining the
success or failure of the high street locally and is it fully
able to address the challenges high streets face?
- What has been the impact of national level planning
policies regarding high streets in the last five years and
are any changes required?
- What should be done to ensure that high streets being
redeveloped now are structurally and financially resilient for
future societal changes?
- How can spatial planning, street design and layout help to
drive greater footfall to high streets?
- Has the High Streets Taskforce been effective in providing
support and expertise in high street recovery and what should
this look like in the future?
- How can transport connectivity be improved to facilitate
better access to high streets and town centres and how should
this be funded?
- To what extent are the Government’s funding programmes to
support high streets, such as the Town Deals and Future High
Streets Fund, successful?
The deadline for the submission of written evidence is 22
March 2024.
Read the call for evidence and find
out how to submit evidence.
