City MPs have welcomed the government's new plans to give local communities a greater say on their high streets, including by cracking down on vape shops and adult gaming centres.

As part of new government proposals, Milton Keynes City Council will be granted more planning powers in the new year to block the spread of businesses that hollow out local high streets.

This will include scrapping the "aim to permit" rule, which has restricted the ability of local councils to refuse new adult gaming centres since 2005. Communities will get a greater say in the businesses that operate near them and residents will gain a stronger voice in sharing concerns about inappropriate new gambling premises.

Cllr. Jennifer Wilson-Marklew and City MP’s Emily Darlington, Callum Anderson and Chris Curtis say existing convenience shops have dodged the rules too many times and sold mainly vapes under their existing license.

City MPs have welcomed the government's new plans to give local communities a greater say on their high streets, including by cracking down on vape shops and adult gaming centres.

placeholder image — City MPs have welcomed the government's new plans to give local communities a greater say on their high streets, including by cracking down on vape shops and adult gaming centres.

Under new plans, both vape shops and adult gaming centres will need specific planning permission.

This will stop them from appearing in communities without any chance for local residents to share their views, and allow councils to ban vape shops opening near schools or in other inappropriate locations.

Chris Curtis, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North, said: "For too long, residents have seen their local high streets slip away from them. In place of local businesses and reliable services, eyesore gambling centres and vape shops have popped up - and local people have had no say at all.

“I am pleased to see this announcement, which will put power back into the hands of those who call our high streets home, from Newport Pagnell to Stony Stratford".

Local councils and the police will be empowered to issue closure orders for up to twelve months, allowing rogue traders and organised crime on high streets to be investigated and stopped.

Councils will also be given support in improving shop fronts, signage and shutters, helping to renew high streets.

Cllr. Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability at Milton Keynes City Council, said: "Residents deserve high streets that they can be proud of, but councils have had their hands tied for years.

“The evidence shows that in more deprived areas, the number of gambling premises and vape shops are higher. That can’t be right in places that need the most regeneration, and these new powers will give local councils the tools that we need to take back control, enforce proper standards, and protect our high streets from businesses that don’t serve the best interests of the local community".

Callum Anderson, Member of Parliament for Buckingham and Bletchley, said: "When I ask residents in Bletchley what needs to be done locally to improve their lives, the number one answer is always the same: we need to improve our high streets.

“Milton Keynes City Council is making significant strides to improve Bletchley, but there is still more to do to rejuvenate Queensway - and I think we can all agree that the answer is not even more gambling and vaping shops. I’m proud to support our local businesses, so this announcement is extremely welcome".