Andy Burnham, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, has announced plans to require vape shops in Britain to obtain planning permission, a move aimed at revitalizing the country’s struggling high streets. Currently, vape outlets are treated like standard retail establishments such as shops, cafes, and banks, meaning they can open without specific planning approval. The proposed change would subject vape shops to additional scrutiny, allowing local residents to raise objections and councils to reject applications.

The government intends to tighten the definition of vape shops to prevent premises from circumventing the rules by classifying themselves broadly as convenience stores or general retailers. Alongside these measures, ministers plan to close a loophole created under former Prime Minister Tony Blair that has contributed to the rapid expansion of betting shops.

Under the current “aim to permit” policy, local councils must approve new gambling licenses if minimum criteria are met, limiting their ability to decline applications. The new regulations would require adult gaming centers, which offer access to slot and fruit machines for up to 24 hours a day, to secure planning permission as well. These changes are expected to come into effect early next year.

The proposals have drawn criticism from opposition parties and some analysts, who argue that rising business costs imposed by the Labour government are partly responsible for the decline of high street retail. Conservative analysis projects that business rates for independent shops are set to more than triple over the next two years, increasing from £2,196 annually to £7,880 by the 2028-29 fiscal year.

Sir James Cleverly, the Conservative shadow communities secretary, criticized the plan, stating that Labour’s increased planning regulations would exacerbate the problem of vacant premises rather than solve it. “Conservatives would cut business rates for high street firms and back the small businesses that give a town centre its character,” he said.

Similarly, Robert Jenrick, economic spokesman for Reform UK, cautioned that restricting new businesses through tighter planning controls could result in more empty storefronts. He stressed that preventing shop openings is only effective if accompanied by measures that encourage the arrival of desirable businesses, asserting that current Labour policies are making it more difficult for small, legitimate enterprises to operate.

Burnham defended the initiative, emphasizing that it will give communities greater influence in shaping their local retail environment. “We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street,” he said. “Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.”