Retail Monitoring Service

Client: Edinburgh House
Location: Scotland
Discipline(s):

Defensive planning work to protect existing assets and to enhance a portfolio of shopping centres across Scotland on behalf of a variety of major shopping centre owners.

Project requirements
Edinburgh House seeks to protect and enhance their assets which comprise many Town Centres in Scotland.

The Issue
Despite national and local planning policy stating a “Town Centres First” principle for retail development, multiple planning applications for out of centre retail facilities are regularly being submitted which draws custom away from shopping facilities located within Town Centres. Tight timescales for responding to proposals have made it difficult to keep a track and object to schemes which may have a negative impact on assets.

The GL Hearn Solution
GL Hearn provides a monitoring service which identifies any planning applications on a weekly basis. The planners assess the applications in relation to potential impact and advice on approach is provided. Formal objections are submitted and lobbying carried out where required. This has resulted in a successful outcome for the shopping centre owners and assets have remained protected. Additionally work is being carried out to improve the vitality and viability of the existing centres and planning applications submitted where necessary.