High Street planning changes criticised by councils 30 May 2013 Last updated at 01:32 Revised planning rules coming into force in England could lead to new "clusters" of betting shops and money lenders, according to local councils. The government has made a number of significant changes in an attempt to boost economic growth and reverse the decline of many High Streets. But the Local Government Association said there could be "lasting damage" to town centres from a "panic measure." Developers have backed the changes which take effect from Thursday. The series of planning changes is designed to encourage "pop-up" businesses and new residential developments. Sustainable development They are part of the coalition government's overhaul of the planning laws which ministers believe will cut red tape, speed up decision-making and promote enterprise and innovation. Critics say the government's approach, underpinned by a presumption in favour of sustainable development, is much too centralised and risks alienating communities and doing damage to the green belt. This blanket national policy will make it easier than ever for High Streets to become ghettos for clusters of 'here today, gone tomorrow' money lenders and betting shops End Quote Mike Jones Local Government Association Regulations known as permitted development rights will be relaxed to attempt to galvanise retail and residential developments in town centres and rural areas. Buildings currently used as offices will be able to be converted into flats without the need for planning permission or any obligation to include affordable housing until 2016. Listed buildings are excluded from the new rules, while 17 local authorities, including 10 in London, have been granted full or partial exemptions on the grounds of specific economic circumstances in their areas. At the same time, a two-year freeze is also being introduced on planning applications for temporary change of use for a range of High Street premises, including hairdressers, banks, bars, cafes, post offices, takeaways, libraries and cinemas. This would allow units not exceeding 150 sq m to spring up at short notice and trade for a limited period as long as long as they meet the criteria of being either shops, restaurants, business offices and financial or professional services. Multiple changes will be permitted within the two-year period but retailers will need to notify councils what they intend to use the building for, and for how long, in advance of setting up. Heart of communities The Federation of Small Businesses welcomed the changes, saying it was right for the government to "prioritise simplifying and streamlining the planning system." "We hope these changes will speed up regeneration while still maintaining vital protections for vulnerable town centres," the group said. But the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, warned that the move could alter the face of High Streets for the worse without residents being able to have their say. "We have been clear that if we are to get people back out shopping in their local town centres we need to give them more say on what type of businesses and shops open there," said Mike Jones, chairman of the association's housing board. Instead from today they will have less. Planning controls were not designed to make life difficult for business but to act as a "democratic quality control," he added. Most people would be more inclined to visit their local High Streets if they saw a resurgence in the sort of cherished local, good-quality shops, restaurants and businesses which can be at the very heart of communities. Instead, this blanket national policy will make it easier than ever for High Streets to become ghettos for clusters of 'here today, gone tomorrow' money lenders and betting shops. Consult neighbours Controversial changes allowing homeowners to build larger home extensions will also come into force. Ministers originally proposed relaxing the rules to allow single-storey extensions of 8m for detached houses and 6m for other properties without the need for planning permission. But following opposition from Tory and Lib Dem backbenchers, the government revised the proposals to require homeowners to "notify" councils of their plans and to consult their neighbours. In the event of objections, local authorities will decide whether a development would have an "unacceptable impact" on the quality of life or value of a neighbouring property.