1 Introduction
1.1 This Working Paper provides the literature review for the principal retail planning techniques covered in the current research. The review covers the following:
- A brief review of the retail and retail planning context ( Chapter 2) which identifies retail trends, national planning policy and other factors to set the scene for reviewing techniques.
- Retail Capacity Assessment ( Chapter 3).
- Retail Impact Assessment ( Chapter 4).
- Town Centre Health Checks and Vitality and Viability Indicators ( Chapter 5).
- Town Centre Strategies ( Chapter 6).
- Strategic Retail Models ( Chapter 7).
1.2 A full bibliography is provided at the end of the survey.
1.3 The level of detail and extent of the review varies with different techniques - this reflects the variation in the literature with, for example, significant literature on the topics of RIA and TCHCs but significantly less for other techniques and the preparation of TCS's with effectively no general literature on the role of SRMs.
1.4 In the review there is some reference to case study work (especially where there is limited general literature) but it is anticipated that more case study material will be reviewed in the later stages of the study and following the feedback from the surveys being undertaken.
1.5 The sections do not provide definitive conclusions on the techniques. It is considered that this would be premature at this stage and it will be important to establish the views of consultees and the discussion groups on key topics before conclusions can be reached. Where appropriate significant issues are flagged up in the review - especially where these have implications for retail policy.