Government supports ‘click & collect’
By Retail Technology | Wednesday August 20 2014
New plans by the British government would enable British high streets to adapt their premises more dynamically
Under plans announced today, shops would be able to build new 'click and collect' facilities, such as covered collection points or lockers, without making a planning application.
The proposals would also enable retailers to install new loading bay doors and ramps without first seeking planning permission, leaving them well placed to accept more deliveries for local online shoppers to collect.
Safeguards
There would still be key safeguards in place. For example, this new permitted development right would exclude listed buildings and would not allow the size of an existing loading bay to increase by more than 20%. And any new ‘click & collect’ facilities could only be within the boundaries of existing premises, such as the car park.
High Streets Minister Penny Mordaunt said that by freeing retailers to make changes to their premises, more of them would be able to offer ‘click & collect’ services, ensuring the rise of internet shopping supports local shops, rather than competing with town centres.
Support package
This is one of a range of measures the government is taking to support the revival of high streets across the country. The £1 billion package of support includes a £1,000 business rate discounts for retail premises, including shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.
It also includes an extension to the doubling of small business rate relief allowing businesses to pay their business rate bills over 12 months (rather than 10) to help every firm with their cash flow.
