THE opening of betting shops and vape retailers on Cornwall’s high streets are set to be put under extra scrutiny after new rules were issued by the government.

At present, there is very little control for local authorities on what types of shops can open in a town centre and amid a rise in prominence for betting and vaping shops, potential operators of both these types of outlets will now be required to obtain planning permission.

There will also be implementations of firmer rules to shut down dodgy businesses linked to organise crime for longer with tougher powers given to police and local authorities.

The government says that measures will put communities back in control of their high streets by giving local people a real say over what businesses can open in their town centres and how local high streets should look, as well as tougher powers for the police and local authorities to crack down on rogue operators.

As part of the government plans to ‘save Britain’s high streets’, it intends to revoke the Gambling Act’s outdated “Aim to Permit” rule, which currently restricts the ability of councils to refuse new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine shops even where there are strong local concerns.

Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), which are adult-only venues offering up to 24-hour access to gambling machines such as slot and fruit machines, will also require planning permission under proposals due to come into effect at the start of next year.

The changes come as vape shops and adult gaming centres have spread rapidly across many town centres. Unlike most businesses that communities raise concerns about, they can currently open without planning permission under the same rules that apply to coffee shops and clothing retailers.

The change would give communities and councils a stronger say over whether new betting shops are right for their area, helping stop them spreading unchecked across struggling high streets.

With regards to suspected criminal businesses, the maximum length of Closure Orders will also double from six to 12 months, giving police and local authorities more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions, and prevent rogue businesses - from illegal vape shops, and dodgy barber shops - reopening before investigations are complete.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. 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. We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street. Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

“High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain.”