I don't follow. So some people might welcome a branch of Waitrose, and be less keen on a branch of Tesco. That's their right, isn't it? What is the mechanism by which local people can express a preference for the type (and style) of amenities going up in their vicinity if it isn't the planning system?
What you seem to be suggesting is that planners are impotent when it comes to distinguishing between Waitrose and Tesco, or a fancy French restaurant and a McDonald's...focusing only on the type of premises and leaving the branding etc. to the free market and supply & demand. That all seems a bit Thatcherite/laissez faire to me. If locals don't want a McDonald's on their doorstep, they should not be criticised for expressing that preference. It's their right.
Planning can control the use class, it cannot control the occupier thats the way the planning system is (and has been for over 60 years) the rest is left to the free market. Don't believe all the hype that Pickles et al spout about localism, if the neighbourhoods plan is not in accordance with nationally adopted policy (the NPPF) it has little to no weight.
If you owned a building would you want your choice of specific operatir to be controlled by the public?
Another example is the conversion of pubs to form convenience stores (Sainsbury Locals etc), as the change of use between pub and store is a permitted development the Council cannot stop it happening, then the stores apply its for for the adverts etc only the public cannot object to the change of use.
