Scottish planning minister Kevin Stewart has announced, that high street facilities such as betting shops and payday lenders will be subject to tightened planning controls in Scotland's cities.
Betting shops are currently in the same building usage category as banks and estate agents, which means there is no planning permission required to open one in old banks and estate agents. Fresh legislation aims to help to reduce the negative impact of such shops on Scottish town centres and will mean that anyone who intends to change the use of a building into bookies will now have to apply for planning permission from the local planning authority.
The minister explained this move saying: "Increased controls on new pay-day lending businesses will help prevent more people being driven into poverty, and give planning authorities more control over ensuring our town centres are attractive places for people to live, work and visit."
