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  Call for 'clustering' action
  
  More than two-thirds of local people (68 per cent) are against existing regulations that allow betting shops to take over banks and building societies' premises without planning permission, according to a new opinion poll.
  
  
  
  A Local Government Association/ComRes poll found that more than three quarters (76 per cent) of people want central government to give councils new powers to prevent "clustering" of particular types of high street activity including betting shops, sex shops and fast food outlets.
  
  The 'clustering' of high numbers of similar premises was cited as having a negative impact on the vibrancy of a local high street, the poll found.
  
  Sir Merrick Cockell, chairman of the LGA, said: "This opinion poll shows local people want Government to give councils the powers to tackle unsightly clusters of sex shops, bookies and takeaways that can blight so many of our high streets. People want action so the places they live, work and shop can be revitalised to reflect how they want them to look and feel."
  
  Councils are urging a shake-up of 'Article 4 directions' and want to see the introduction of a new local planning use class for premises of potential future local concern.
  
  Within this new 'super' planning class, councils would be able to add premises - such as fast food takeaways or bookies - which local people believe have a negative effect on their high streets. This could also give councils the power to stop an over-concentration of supermarkets in a particular part of town, or to allow a greater diversity of smaller, independent retailers.

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