Battle to protect small shops goes to the Lords

Inspired by the Evening Standard's Save Our Small Shops campaign, it is the latest example of the growing fight-back against "clone town Britain".

The Retail Development Bill is sponsored by Lord Cotter, Liberal Democrat spokesman for small businesses. It is backed by Friends of the Earth and groups that represent independent traders, including the Association of Convenience Stores.

It would require councils to draw up retail development plans that would have to take into account diversity, local heritage and the needs of the community. An independent regulator would oversee the proposals.

There would also be provision for financial support for small shops through the business rate system.

Lord Cotter said: "I and local traders very much appreciate the robust and strong Save Our Small Shops campaign by the Standard, which is giving much-needed support to communities throughout London.

"I am fully in support of this campaign and will do all I can to advance it."

"The objective of my Bill is to give the local community greater input into the preservation and development of town centres and shopping areas and to ensure that a fairer system is put in place to see that supermarkets cannot steam-roll through developments, which can take the heart out of local areas."

Lord Cotter will visit traders in Portobello Market this weekend to discuss the problems faced by small retailers in a climate of rapidly rising rents and massive expansion by national chains.

His Bill is due to have its first reading in the Lords before Christmas, with a full debate on the floor of the Upper House in the New Year. The legislation means both major opposition parties are now actively pursuing agendas aimed at helping small shops survive.

The Conservatives have set up a panel of MPs and business figures to investigate the problems that are leading to the demise of thousands of independent shops. David Cameron has given the inquiry his personal backing.

Meanwhile, there are growing signs that councils and regulators are starting to take a stronger line against untrammelled expansion of the big chains. Last week, councillors in the Norfolk coastal town of Sheringham voted to throw out plans for Tesco superstore on the outskirts of the town after a 10-year campaign of opposition by residents.

Yesterday, the Competition Commission ordered Tesco to sell quickly a former Co-op site in Slough. The supermarket chain had been refused permission to turn it into its sixth branch in the town.