Vital and Viable Town Centres Meeting the Challenge

The year-long planning research programme arose from the need to assist local authorities improve town centres and deal with "out-of-town" planning applications. The study combines a survey of local authorities, analysis of census and employment trends, and a series of case studies, with inputs from a multi-disciplinary team of consultants. In addition to providing techniques for assessing performance and devising town centre strategies, the report puts forward good practice guidelines for a variety of types of town centres.;This study will help local authorities (especially towards the implementation of the revised PPG6), property owners, retailers and local people to determine the best action that needs to be taken to achieve vital and viable town centres.;This report should be of use to all local authorities' planning departments, property surveyors, major retailers, planning consultants, interested local people (especially those appealing against planning decisions) and major land owners.