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Here they actually have refused to allow some international chains (we have very few local chains) to open and the ones that are have very specific operating terms and locations allowed to them.
The problem is, just assuming that independent shops will come if you make the environment nicer isn't the case. What happens is the next wave of chains will come in (see the "fast casual" restaurant franchises for example) which leaves you in the same place. When I lived in Kingston, every time a new area opened, it was filled with chains, albeit ones that weren't present in the other parts of town.
Councils need to do more to encourage new independent shops than just "build it and they will come". Preferential rates, maybe a scheme like some of the housing schemes where if developments are built, there are a set number of units available to indy shops/cafes/restaurants at a much lower rent.
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Totally agree and it would be great to see incentives for independents rather than big chains. The main thing I like about this potential scheme in Stockton is that it's a step in the right direction, rather than just trying to sell the empty units to a new retail chain at a lower cost, realise there's a fundamental problem.
Sumo
I think now the "old" highstreet concept is the M&S, Topshop, HMV all in a row, the same in every town in the country, is obviously a dying idea it means we can leave that stuff to online or out of town shopping and re-invigorate town centers with green space and independent shops, cafes etc. It's roughly the same idea as the growing amount of pedestrianised streets around the country, make it a nice place to go and the shops will thrive.