Shops and retailers on Britain’s high streets will soon be allowed to install ‘click and collect’ lockers without getting planning permission

The move, which takes effect on April 15, is aimed to encourage shoppers to visit the high streets to collect online purchases.

‘Click and collect’ the first step

The freedom to introduce click and collect services, the use of which is expected to double within 3 years, is just one of the planning measures being introduced to give flagging high streets a boost.

The Government has also announced a feasibility study on plans for a one-stop-shop providing retailers, councils and trading groups with advice on how to compete with digital and online retail.

Google’s UK Sales Director Peter Fitzgerald will be leading the study to look which kinds of technology, training, advice, skills and infrastructure independent traders need to adapt.

Ben Dowd, Business Director at O2 and Martin Butler, IBM’s Vice-President of Retail will also offer advice as part of the High Street Digital Health Index.

New planning rules

Alongside the removal of planning permission for click and collect facilities, the Government is also:

• Allowing more flexibility for businesses to change use

• Requiring planning permission to change use to a betting shop or payday loan shop

• Shops, offices, financial and professional services are now allowed to extend premises by 100 square metres and warehouse and industrial premises allowed to extend by 200 sqms

• Retailers can now extend their loading bays by 20% to make deliveries easier

Online offers new opportunities for high streets

Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis believes that online shopping can offer  high street  businesses new opportunities like the click and collect services that will encourage shoppers to visit their businesses.

High Streets Minister Penny Mordaunt says that digital is the way forward for high streets and the digital index will help traders and businesses to compete in a competitive market.

Britain’s high streets still contribute billions to the UK economy as well as providing jobs.

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