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Southend-on-Sea considers curbs on new vape and mobile phone shops
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Southend-on-Sea's Labour-led council is exploring powers to restrict the opening of new vape shops, mobile phone outlets, and barber shops on the High Street following a motion by Reform UK. While some local business workers report high demand, residents and shoppers express frustration over the loss of retail diversity. Council leader Daniel Cowan noted that new planning powers arriving next year will allow the council to better regulate such businesses, though retail experts warn that broader economic strategies are required to prevent high street decline.
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- Southend-on-Sea Council is considering blocking new vape, mobile phone, and barber shops from opening on the High Street.
- A motion tabled by Reform UK prompted the Labour-led cabinet to review its powers to curb an excessive number of these outlets.
- There are currently 16 mobile phone outlets, 11 vape units, and nine barber shops on Southend's High Street.
- Local residents and shoppers have voiced frustration about the lack of retail diversity and the decline of traditional shops.
- Council leader Daniel Cowan stated that new government planning powers next year will enable the council to say no to certain types of businesses.
- Retail experts warn that restricting low-value businesses must be paired with clear plans to attract alternative uses, otherwise spaces risk becoming boarded up.