Luton Council could be given new powers to control which businesses open on the town’s high streets under plans announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The government is proposing changes which would allow councils to reject new betting shops and adult gaming centres while new vape shops would have to apply for planning permission.
The proposals are part of a wider plan to give local communities greater control over the future of their high streets.
Prime Minister 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.
“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.”
The government says vape shops currently fall within the same planning category as other shops, meaning they can generally open without requiring a fresh planning application.
Under the proposed changes, vape shops would have their own planning category, allowing councils to consider individual applications and decide whether a new premises is appropriate for an area.
The government also plans to tighten the definition of a vape shop to prevent businesses from claiming they are primarily convenience stores while actually operating mainly as vape retailers.
Measures are also proposed to prevent new vape shops opening close to schools.
For gambling premises, the government intends to scrap the “aim to permit” rule in the Gambling Act 2005.
The rule currently makes it difficult for councils to refuse new gambling premises where licensing requirements have been met.
The government says removing it would give councils greater ability to take the number and concentration of gambling premises in an area into account.
The proposals could have particular relevance in Luton, where the council has already taken repeated enforcement action against premises selling illegal vapes and tobacco.
Luton Trading Standards has previously obtained closure orders against shops involved in illegal sales.
The council has also continued to tackle premises involved in illicit tobacco and vape sales, with further closure orders issued in 2026.
Luton already has specific planning provisions relating to betting premises. Its planning documents classify betting offices as “sui generis”, meaning they have their own planning use rather than simply being treated as ordinary shops.
However, the proposed changes to gambling law could give the council greater scope to object to new betting shops and adult gaming centres.
The government says the measures are intended to form part of a wider effort to revive town centres, including stronger expectations around the design and appearance of high street shopfronts.
Luton Council already has a town centre masterplan and a 2025-2030 delivery plan aimed at changing how the town centre is used, including adapting to changes in the way people shop, work and socialise.
The government is now planning a six-week consultation on the proposed changes, with the intention of having the new measures in place from early 2027.
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