Call to 'take back control' of high streets

MOTION HOPES TO GIVE COUNCIL MORE OVERSIGHT OF NEW VENTURES

- By STUART ARNOLD

CHANGES to planning regulations are needed to allow local authorities to “take back control” of high streets, councillors have urged.

A motion supported by Redcar and Cleveland councillors expressed concern about a “growing concentration” of barbers, nail shops and beauty salons in some areas, along with takeaways. Eston ward councillor David Taylor, who successfully proposed the motion, said of 47 retail units in Eston, 25 were of this kind and included in the category ‘Class E’ in planning terms.

Reform of national planning guidance in 2020 merged a wide range of commercial uses into this category, removing the need for planning permission for many new ventures.

Cllr Taylor said at the time it was a sensible measure during the Covid-19 pandemic to support the economic survival of businesses wishing to adapt. But the result had been an undermining of the variety and character of many high street environments, which required a balanced mix of places for the public to visit to survive and thrive.

Worse still, a number of councillors who lent their backing to the motion referenced fears of criminality and organised gangs infiltrating the high street.