This section contains links to further resources and sources of information and support.
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Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional advice and support on planning issues to people and communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant. Planning Aid complements the work of local authorities but is wholly independent of them.
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Friends of the Earth has a telephone advice line, staffed by lawyers and legal volunteers, to offer members of the public advice on environmental legal problems. The line is open the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on 0800 138 163.
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Navigus Planning is a small town planning practice focusing on local community planning and infrastructure.Chris Bowden, director of Navigus Planning, has been involved throughout Manningtree’s battle against a Tesco supermarket proposed for the edge of the town. He has produced objections covering a range of planning matters for Stour Community First, the group fighting the plans, and is able to advise other groups, as well as providing technical assistance with objections. Please visit their website or telephone 01206 700260.
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The Environmental Law Foundation can provide more specialist help if you are seeking a Judicial Review.
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The Association of Convenience Stores has a comprehensive website with information on its campaigns to protect local shops.
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The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has a planning website with advice on responding to planning applications.
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The UK Government’s Planning Portal is a good resource from which to learn about the planning system, apply for planning permission, find out about development near you, appeal against a planning decision and research the latest government policy.
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nef (New Economics Foundation) has published a number of reports revealing how retail spaces once filled with a thriving mix of independent shops are fast being filled with faceless retail chains or are closing down entirely. Ghost Town Britain looked at the impact on driving people away from town centre shopping, and Clone Town Britain argued that town centres are increasingly homogenous.
Useful reports
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Friends of the Earth briefing "How to…oppose a supermarket planning application" provides useful guidance in opposing applications, including a step-by-step guide to making your way through the English planning system.
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For general information on engaging in the planning process, please see Friends of the Earth's Community Resource Pack which provides a number of resources to help local people and communities get their voice heard in decisions which affect them.
- The US-based Hometown Advantage launched the, the Big Box Tool-kit, to provide resources to help campaigners against big retail developments. Though it is US-based, some of the tactics and ideas will be relevant to the UK.