Shetland Islands Council

Commercial Development

Topic Goal

To ensure, as far as possible, that convenient access to shops is available to every inhabitant of Shetland and encourage the creation of commercial employment opportunities in rural settlements.

Shopping

11.1 Within Shetland there is a distinct hierarchy of shopping provision, dominated by Lerwick which provides a wide range of shops and services that serve the whole of Shetland. Outwith Lerwick, shops are small scale and tend to serve local needs.

11.2 In recent years retailing has become increasingly competitive and has had to adapt to changing economic conditions and consumer habits. In some retail sectors larger shop units have developed in an attempt to increase efficiency, achieve economies of scale and widen consumer choice.

11.3 In Shetland this national trend has been reflected in the expansion of the Toll Clock shopping centre and Coop supermarket, the construction of the Safeway supermarket in 1995 and the spread of retail functions into peripheral industrial estates. Local shops also face increasing competition through the continuing expansion of mail order and e-commerce. It is anticipated that the retail sector in Shetland will enter a period of consolidation during the life of this Plan.

Lerwick Town Centre

11.4 It is not the function of land use planning to prevent competition among retailers or between methods of retailing, nor to preserve existing commercial interests as such. Government policy, however, stresses the importance of enhancing and protecting town centres which are sustainable locations for shopping and other services. The Council also recognises that the role of Lerwick town centre is wider than that of Shetland's dominant commercial centre, that it is also has an important cultural and social function and that its architectural and historical fabric are of national importance. In 1995 the Council initiated the Lerwick Town Centre Management Group (LTCMG) to revitalise the town centre and achieve a high standard of town centre management. Working in partnership with the local community, private and public sector bodies, LTCMG aims to contribute to the wider goals of stimulating the local economy, enhancing Shetland's image, and improving the quality of life for all local people. In 1999 this initiative won a Planning award for outstanding quality on the ground and is set to continue into the next Millennium with the recent publication of the 1999-2001 town centre Action Plan.

Rural Shops and Post Offices

11.5 Rural shops and post offices have played a crucial role in maintaining existing settlements as viable communities. In recent years a growing number of these facilities have closed down due to a number of factors, including declining populations in certain rural areas, increased mobility, the application of stricter environmental health legislation and changes in retailing patterns. Notwithstanding this, there is still a need for such facilities to serve the needs of local residents, particularly those with limited mobility. The Council has recognised this vital need to retain rural shops by introducing a Rural Shop Improvement scheme in 1990 that has so far assisted 34 separate shop businesses. This scheme was continued in 1999 for a further three years.

Offices

11.6 Lerwick will remain the dominant location for office developments within Shetland. Nevertheless, there may be opportunities to encourage office development in the rural areas within existing settlements. This would help to retain the rural population, diversify the rural economy and reduce the need for commuting to Lerwick. Working from home also needs to be encouraged where it does not conflict with residential amenity.

Partners

Strategies

Plan Performance Indicators

• The number of rural shops and post offices that have been closed.
• The number of vacant shop units as a proportion of the total in Lerwick town centre.