Partly agreed. I’m not quite sure where you are getting your data when you say, “…without doubt will be out of business…”. But if it is based on your opinion that an efficient, well run business that appeals to customers, whether an independent or a chain, is highly likely to effect the profitability of local competitors, then I imagine you are correct. (Gawd, that last sentence came out like a politician’s statement!)

That is, indeed, a strong counterpoint.

I’m very much enjoying the discussion on this thread. I’m put in mind of the thoughts of the Open-City Founding Director Victoria Thornton from last weekend’s guide to Open House London. This is just from my aged memory but Victoria was quite enthusiastic in the role that Open-City is developing to enable local non-professional people (in the planning and design sense) to make an informed contribution to planning. I imagine that this thread and subsequent activity is exactly what Victoria had in mind.

I’m sure if anyone were to follow the links in the Open-City website, then you will find very useful information and tools to help in your endeavours.