MORE takeaways could be coming to High Wycombe town centre after council bosses moved to relax planning rules.

Wycombe District Council wants to scrap the need for business’ to get permission to change what premises are used for.

This includes restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels and hot food takeaways.

It hopes the move will kick-start the town’s retail trade, which has been hit badly by the recession.

The ‘local development order’ – which is out to consultation – will encompass the north side of White Hart Street, part of Oxford Street, Bull Lane and Church street (see link, bottom of story for full map).

A survey last week found 13.8 per cent of shops were empty in the town centre between July and December. Previous studies put this at near 25 per cent.

The authority said it is ‘one of the first local authorities in the country to adopt this innovative approach’. It would last for three years.

Councillor Jean Teesdale, cabinet member for planning, said: “We want to revitalise the town, make it more interesting and we felt we could do that by making this order.”

She said of takeaways: “If there is a need and it meets a niche and is not a bother then I can’t see any problem with it.”

Chris Woodman, spokesman for the High Wycombe Society conservation group welcomed the move.

He said: “It is important to liven up the town centre in the current economic climate.”

It was important the order lasts only three years, he said.

The changes would mean retailers will not need to get planning permission from WDC for changing premises’ use, but would for physical alterations.

Consultation closes at 5pm on Friday.

Send views to spatialplanning@wycombe.gov.uk or David Dewar, Wycombe District Council, Freepost Hy120, Planning and Sustainability, WDC63, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe HP11 1YB.