Government Strips Councils of Planning Powers Over Betting Shops

The UK government is set to take away planning powers from councils, which will prevent them from blocking the establishment of betting shops on high streets. This move, due to come into effect on October 31st, will delegate most planning applications, including changes of use, to officers instead of council leaders and planning committees. Elected members and parish councils will also lose the power to call controversial planning applications to committee. The decision has been criticized as being contrary to the government's newfound emphasis on delegating decisions to local communities.