Council given new powers to crackdown on growth of vape shops, adult gaming centres and betting shops in Peterborough

An announcement from the government has Peterborough City Council new stronger powers powers over the growth of gambling and vaping outlets in Peterborough.

The new powers back the demands of local campaigners to give communities greater power the number of new vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres.

The government intends to scrap the“Aim to Permit” rule, making it easier for councils to reject new betting and 24-hour slot-machine shops where there are strong local concerns.

Vape shops will also require planning permission, giving councils greater control over where they open and to stop them opening near schools. Adult gaming centres will also require planning permission under proposals due to come into effect at the start of next year.

From the beginning of next year, vape shops and adult gaming centres will become standalone planning categories, meaning they will need permission before opening.

Peterborough's city centre currently hosts multiple betting shops – including Coral, Ladbrokes, William Hill, Paddy Power, Jennings Bet and Betfred – as well as adult gaming centres including New Horizon Amusements on Bridge Street and several Merkur Slots outlets.

The new announcement also backs the demand to give police and councils more power to tackle ‘dodgy shops.’ The government will double the maximum length of Closure Orders from six to 12 months meaning illegal vape shops and other rogue stores linked to crime can be shut for longer.

Andrew Pakes MP, has said that he has repeatedly raised the issue in parliament calling for local communities to be given the power to take back control of their high streets. He also welcomed the council's decision in July to reject a proposed adult gaming centre at the former Wilko unit in the Hereward Cross shopping centre.

The measures form part of a wider plan to help revive high streets up and down the country, support responsible local businesses, and give communities like Peterborough's a stronger say over the future of their city centre.

Mr Pakes said: “This is a welcome victory for our local campaign to toughen up the law to deal with adult gaming centres and dodgy shops. Time and again, people here in Peterborough have told me how the unchecked spread of vape shops and gambling centres has blighted our high street and damaged pride in our city centre.

“I've raised this repeatedly in parliament and campaigned hard for change, so I'm really pleased that the government has listened. We're finally giving communities like ours a real say over what opens locally, and giving the council the powers it needs to say no to more of the same.

“This won't fix everything overnight, but it's a vital first step. Together, we can support good local businesses, breathe new life into our highstreets and build a more hopeful future for Peterborough city centre.”

Council Leader Shabina Qayyum added her approval to the plans, stating: “I’m so very pleased that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is empowering our communities to have greater choice in what they want to see.

"Let’s make our high streets places people are proud to visit, shop and spend time in again.”