Council backs Hucknall councillors' motion for better control of high streets

The Fair Rules and Better High Streets motion, proposed by Coun Lee Waters (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall Central, and seconded by Coun David Shaw (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall West, passed by 17 votes in favour, four against and five abstentions following a divided debate at full council on July 27.

The motion calls on the Government to review national Class E planning rules, which allow premises to switch between a wide range of commercial uses without needing fresh planning permission.

It means a traditional shop can often become a barber shop, vape shop, nail bar or another type of business without residents being consulted or the council having a planning application to consider.

Following the vote, the council’s leader and chief executive will be asked to press the Government for stronger local powers to manage over-concentration, protect high street variety and give communities a greater say.

Local MPs will also be asked to support the campaign and raise the issue directly with ministers.

The council’s cabinet will be asked to bring forward a report examining high street business mix, compliance and enforcement across Ashfield.

It will consider what checks are already taking place, how residents can report credible concerns and what further action can be taken where rogue operators or unlawful activity are identified.

During the debate, some councillors warned that additional planning controls could restrict market competition, entrepreneurship and legitimate businesses seeking to fill empty premises.

But Coun Waters argued that the motion was not about preventing lawful businesses from opening, but restoring a sensible balance after Class E was introduced in 2020 and brought many different commercial activities under one broad planning category.

He said: “This was a divided vote, but the motion passed because a clear majority recognised that residents have legitimate concerns about the future of their high streets.

“Nobody wants to stop honest people setting up businesses, creating jobs or taking on empty shops.

"Lawful businesses have nothing to fear from this motion.

“But competition only works properly when everyone follows the same rules.

"Where there are credible concerns about illegal goods, tax evasion, money laundering or illegal working, they should be checked and the authorities must act firmly where evidence is found.

“The bigger problem is Class E.

"Councils get blamed for what appears on the high street, but national rules often leave us with no planning application to consider and very little power to manage the balance.

“A successful high street needs variety.

"It needs shops, cafés, services, leisure and community uses that give people a reason to come into town, stay longer and spend money with local businesses.

“This motion is about backing honest traders, improving enforcement and taking back some local control over the future of our high streets.”

Coun Waters added that the vote must now lead to practical local action, alongside sustained pressure on ministers to change the national planning rules.