The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that Local Planning Authorities should assess the quantitative and qualitative needs for land or floorspace for retail and leisure development over the plan period (paragraph. 161). Paragraph 23 states that such needs must be met in full.

The need for convenience retail floorspace should therefore be revisited as part of the updated retail evidence base. The evidence base should provide an assessment of convenience goods expenditure patterns and translate these patterns into new floorspace requirements. Should a need for additional convenience floorspace be identified, this should be translated into new floorspace targets in the BCCS review.