Communities across England are to be handed significant new authority to shape their local high streets, as the government unveils a major planning crackdown. The powerful new measures will allow councils to outright reject new planning applications for betting shops, payday lenders, and fast-growing vape stores.
The move, spearheaded by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, is a direct response to growing concerns that these types of outlets are dominating town centres and changing their character against the wishes of local residents. The reform will categorise these businesses into a new, separate planning class.
Taking Back Control of Local Communities
This reclassification is the crucial step. By creating a distinct planning category for betting shops, payday lenders, and vape stores, local councils will no longer be forced to automatically approve their applications if they are moving into units previously occupied by other retail businesses.
This closes a long-exploited loophole that allowed such outlets to open easily under 'permitted development' rights, often without the need for a full planning process that considers local impact and community objections.
A Boost for High Streets and Local Voices
The government's stated aim is to empower communities and support the health and sustainability of high streets. A government insider stated the reform will ensure "local people have a say on whether new betting shops or vape stores should be opening up in their neighbourhoods."
This initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalise town centres, making them hubs for community life rather than dominated by specific types of commerce. It gives councillors a clear legal basis to refuse new applications that they believe could be harmful or unwanted in their area.
Industry Reaction and Next Steps
While welcomed by many community campaigners and local authorities, the move is likely to face criticism from the affected industries. The changes are set to be formally laid out in a consultation on the proposed new planning framework in the coming weeks.
This policy shift represents one of the most significant interventions in high street planning in recent years, fundamentally altering the balance of power between national chains and local communities.
