The Government has announced plans to give councils greater powers to control the growth of vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres on high streets, with new vape shops in England required to apply for planning permission.

Councils across Great Britain will also have greater ability to refuse new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine venues, while new adult gaming centres in England will require planning permission.

The Government will tighten the definition of a vape shop to prevent businesses avoiding planning rules by presenting themselves as convenience stores, alongside powers to extend closure orders for shops found selling illegal tobacco to up to 12 months.

The measures follow concerns about illegal activity linked to some high street businesses. The National Crime Agency estimates at least £1 billion in criminal cash is laundered through UK high street stores each year.

The proposals could have implications for young people, with the Government highlighting concerns about vape and gambling outlets opening near schools, alongside wider reports of illegal vape sales, drugs and child exploitation connected to some premises.