Councils are to be given strengthened powers to prevent new betting and vape shops from opening, the Prime Minister has announced.

Prime Minster Andy Burnham today revealed that the measures are designed to combat the decline of high streets and could come into effect next year.

The plans include a removal of the ‘aim to permit’ rule, which in turn will enable councils to refuse new betting shops and adult gaming centres.

Furthermore, planning permission would be required for the opening of new e-cigarette and vape shops, providing councils and residents with more input on decisions and ensuring shops are not opened near schools.

The Prime Minister said: ‘The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services and community spaces that people are crying out for.

‘That’s not on. I said we would improve Britain’s high streets, and that’s exactly what we are starting to do.’

Responding to the Government’s announcement, Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, Chair of the LGA said: ‘It is positive that councils and communities will get a greater say on what shops and services are found on their high streets through these changes to the Use Class Order which will require vape shops to acquire planning permission.   

‘The LGA has consistently raised that some permitted development rights, which allow uses to change without planning permission, can hollow out high streets and reduce community and democratic oversight of planning decisions.     

‘Extra powers will help councils in revitalising high streets and shaping their communities, particularly in regulating betting and vaping shops, while also breathing new life into empty premises.’