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.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy
A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.

Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing
The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.

Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding
The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions