Plans to give councils greater control over High Street uses welcomed

Commercial property agent Prop-Search has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement of new measures intended to help revitalise Britain’s high streets and give local communities a greater say over the types of businesses operating in their town centres.

Under the proposals, new vape shops in England would require planning permission, while the definition of a vape shop would be tightened to prevent operators from bypassing the rules by presenting themselves as convenience stores or general retailers.  Adult gaming centres would also require planning permission, and councils would be given greater powers to refuse new betting shops by removing the existing “aim to permit” rule.  The measures are expected to be subject to consultation, with the Government aiming for changes to take effect from the beginning of 2027.

Samantha Jones, an Associate Director at Prop-Search, said: “The Prime Minister’s announcement recognises an issue that is increasingly visible across towns and cities throughout the country: the changing composition of our high streets and the need to ensure that town-centre property continues to support the communities it serves.”

“While this is not an outright ban on vape shops, the proposed planning controls could represent a significant change for occupiers, landlords, investors and local authorities.  They would give councils the opportunity to consider the cumulative impact of particular uses, their proximity to schools and other sensitive locations, and whether a proposed operator genuinely contributes to the vitality and viability of the high street.”

“From a commercial property perspective, greater control over individual uses could help create a more balanced tenant mix.  However, restrictions alone will not bring vacant shops back into productive use.  They must be accompanied by practical measures to attract alternative occupiers, support independent businesses, encourage investment and address the wider challenges created by business rates, rents, operating costs and changing consumer behaviour.”

Prop-Search believes the success of the proposals will depend on how they are implemented and how quickly suitable replacement uses can be found for units that may otherwise remain vacant.  The firm is also urging councils and property owners to take a strategic approach to high street regeneration, rather than considering individual shop units in isolation.  This could include encouraging a wider mix of retail, hospitality, leisure, healthcare, community and professional uses, alongside flexible leasing arrangements and improvements to the appearance and accessibility of town centres.

The Government has also announced plans to provide councils with clearer expectations and guidance on the design and appearance of high street shopfronts.  Police and local authorities are expected to receive additional time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, with the maximum length of certain closure orders increasing from six to 12 months.

Samantha Jones added: “A vibrant high street needs more than simply fewer unwanted uses.  It needs a compelling reason for people to visit, spend time and return.  That means a diverse occupier base, strong independent businesses, good hospitality and leisure provision, convenient access and a clear sense of place.”

“The announcement provides an opportunity for councils, landlords and agents to work together on that wider objective.  Prop-Search will continue to support clients in assessing the implications for existing and proposed occupiers, identifying alternative uses for vacant premises and helping to create commercially sustainable town centres.”

The Government’s proposals are subject to consultation and further legislative changes.  Existing vape shops and other established businesses will not automatically be required to close solely as a result of the announcement.