Mr. Terry Sheridan:

The Vice Chairman remarked on whether the planning system has failed town centres by allowing the development of out-of-town centres. It is a matter for the planning authorities to approve proposed developments in their own local areas, having regard to their local development plans. In hindsight, my personal view is that there was perhaps an over-concentration on the development of out-of-town centres at the expense of the town centre areas, and this is an issue we need to look at very carefully going forward. I would hope there would be a re-focus on town centre development so that we can revitalise the towns and help to bring them back to life. The vacant site levy is one measure that might possibly help to incentivise development in the town centre areas and we will look at the possibility of introducing other measures as well. It is an issue in which I have a particular interest and I would like the social fabric that existed in rural towns to be restored as much as possible. I come from a country town and I believe there is a social fabric associated with the town centres. They should, if at all possible, be restored and maintained.