Following announcements of the measures in last week's Autumn Statement, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has set out details of the Government's plans, including a review of the General Permitted Development rules.
Pickles said that the Government will consult on the relaxation for change use from retail use to restaurant and from retail use to assembly and leisure uses including cinemas, gyms, skating rinks and swimming baths. "We will also consult on creating a national planning permission to allow the installation of mezzanine floors in retail premises where it would support the town centre," he said.
New guidance will be published for councils to review their retail land to take account of the changing local market. Pickles said that this was to ensure that "councils are keeping their high streets up to date".
In addition a consultation has been opened to review local authority parking and "if necessary, change the balance of how parking is enforced with the aim of ensuring that parking strategies complement and enhance the attractiveness of our high streets and town centres".
Pickles also said that the Government will launch a high streets 'red tape challenge' "if there is sufficient evidence to do so". "Local areas are best placed to comment on regulatory issues which act as a brake on town centre viability and vitality," he said. He called for businesses, councils, local residents and other interested bodies to submit their comments.
The measures follow the business rates relief package also announced in the Autumn Statement, including a discount of £1,000 off the rates bill for businesses occupying premises with a rateable value up to £50,000.
"The way we use our high streets is changing and the measures unveiled today give councils more power to reflect that in the way their high streets look and operate," said Pickles.
"New tax breaks for shops and sensible changes to over zealous parking rules will help make high streets more attractive to shoppers. And by providing excellent local services and offering communities a vibrant place to spend their leisure time and money, local authorities can secure the future of their high streets for many years to come," he added.
