Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has stated that temporarily converting empty shops into social enterprises, local art displays or learning centres will help innovative communities prevent high streets declining.  The suggestion responds to the visible impact of the recession on high streets with empty units in towns and cities nationwide.

The Government is also announcing new measures and up to £3m to help communities find creative ways to reduce the negative impact empty shops have on the high street - vital for town centre and business confidence.  The new provisions including special planning application waivers, standard interim-use leases, and temporarily leasing shops to councils will allow empty shops to get makeovers for use as cultural, community or learning services.

Local Development Orders allow councils to grant planning permission or set local permitted development and change of use rules. New legislation will mean these powers no longer need to be linked to existing development plans which will allow local planning authorities to implement LDOs with greater speed and flexibility.

Council’s can also use licensing powers positively to permit things like farmers markets that bring local produce to the high street. These measures are being published in a practical guide ‘Looking after our Town Centres’ identifies the best ways and steps communities can take to keep town centres thriving.  The Government will introduce new rules soon to give existing shops that serve the community such as local post offices and pubs extra protections. These steps are part of wider action to help business during the downturn.