Residents and councils across the country could be given greater control over which businesses open on local high streets under new Government proposals.
Plans announced by the Government would make it harder for new betting shops and adult gaming centres to open in areas where there are strong local concerns.
A consultation is also due to be launched on changes to the planning rules for vape shops, which currently fall within a broad planning category covering shops, cafes and banks. Under the proposed changes, new vape shops would require planning permission.
The Government says this could allow councils to place restrictions on where vape shops open, including potentially limiting their proximity to schools.
The plans could affect high streets across Tameside, with the Government saying they are intended to give local communities a greater say over changes to their town centres.
Another proposed change would see the maximum length of Closure Orders increase from six months to 12 months.
The proposals would also formally define Adult Gaming Centres as a standalone planning category, meaning new premises would require planning permission.
The Government says there are around 1,450 adult gaming centres across the UK, with more than half located in the poorest 20 per cent of neighbourhoods.
It argues that areas with higher levels of poverty, debt and ill-health can be particularly affected by the concentration of gambling premises.
However, the proposals are subject to consultation, meaning the final rules could differ from those currently outlined by the Government.
Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said residents had repeatedly raised concerns about vape shops and other businesses on local high streets.
“People know when their high street isn’t working for them,” she said.
“Whether it’s the vape shop or betting shop that’s opened with no say from locals, the shopfront that’s seen better days, or the sense that nobody’s in control – these problems have built up over years, but this Government won’t leave councils and communities powerless to crackdown on everyday eyesores that ruin our high streets.”
She added: “We have listened and that’s why we’re giving local leaders the power to say no to what doesn’t belong on their high street, and the tools to fix it themselves.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the proposals were part of wider plans to address the decline of Britain’s high streets.
“For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline,” he 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.”
He added that the Government wanted to give councils the powers to “rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life”.
The Government says the measures are intended to support “responsible businesses”, restore pride in local areas and give communities more influence over the future of their high streets.
The consultation on changes to gambling planning rules and the proposals relating to vape shops and adult gaming centres are expected to take place soon.