Land Covenants: Supermarket Chains

Debate between Lord Stockwood and Baroness Wheatcroft

Wednesday 4th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Stockwood (Lab)]

Again, the noble Lord raises an important issue about our high streets. While it is not within the range of this Question, I am willing to follow it up. The Government announced a £150 million package for supporting our high streets, but I agree that we should go further on this.

[Baroness Wheatcroft (CB)]

My Lords, in considering the use of land by supermarkets, does the Minister agree with me that there is huge acreage sitting unused on top of supermarkets throughout the country? Given the housing shortage, would it not make sense to put pressure on supermarkets to use that space to provide housing, perhaps in a prefab state so that it is made easily, quickly and accessibly? After all, the shops are nearby.