To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest guidance given to local planning authorities regarding the design of new shopping facilities.

Planning policy guidance note 6 sets out the Government's general planning policies for major retail development. My right hon. Friend's statement of 6 March, about standards of design for major new buildings, made it clear that considerations such as the density and bulk of a development, and its compatibility with its surroundings, may be relevant planning issues. Only exceptionally should planning authorities seek to control design details, if the sensitive character of the area or the particular building justifies it.