The British supermarket giant Tesco has carefully designed some new superstores, but it's branches are still "breeding like shrink-wrapped rabbits."
"Several sites, previously contaminated by industrial waste and pollutants," says Tesco, "have been restored to full environmental health. Derelict land has also been chosen for many new Tesco stores, creating centres for urban regeneration after years of neglect. Many have won applause from civic societies and local people alike for matching the existing styles and character unique to each area." From a planning view, according to Paul Finch, acting chairman of Cabe (the government's Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), "Tesco is building in city centres where it is perfectly acceptable to do so, buying up existing retail premises and conforming to local building regulations. From a political point of view, many of its new stores are considered sound because they suit the needs of people who want to walk, rather than drive, to their local shops. From an aesthetic point of view, there is a lot of snobbery surrounding Tesco. In fact, the company works with some highly respected architects." And offers "planning gains" in terms of regenerated land and environmental programmes.
Thanks to Zvi Leve
FULL STORY: Coming to a high street near you ...

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

Judge Reverses Federal Funding Freeze for EV Infrastructure
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, a $5 billion program aimed at improving charging infrastructure.

Santa Monica May Raise Parking Permit Fees
The city says the changes would help better manage curb space and support its sustainability goals.

Portland Housing Bond Created Nearly 5,000 Units, But Affordability Remains Out of Reach
Despite better-than-expected results from multiple local housing bonds, housing costs and homelessness remain top of mind for many Oregonians.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
Sarasota County Government
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)