New curbs to protect High Streets and block out-of-town superstores are to be at the centre of the Government's overhaul of planning laws.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly will next week announce that all councils will have a right to reject any application that has a negative impact on town centre retailers.

The planning White Paper, to be published on Monday, will also make clear that Ms Kelly has rejected recommendations to allow more building on the green belt.

The independent Barker Report last year triggered uproar among conservationists by suggesting that rules could be relaxed to allow developers to build on green belt land. But Ms Kelly has decided against any changes.

(Via ThisisMoney.co.uk. To read the full story, click here)


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