A Senedd member is urging Wales to adopt England’s approach by implementing stricter planning regulations for e-cigarette retailers and gambling establishments.

The UK administration recently revealed new planning measures south of the border that would require any new business selling vaping products to obtain permission from their local authority before opening.

In contrast, the Welsh administration has chosen to establish a taskforce focused on reviving town centres.

Jayne Bryant, representing Casnewydd Islwyn, noted that the UK Labour administration had introduced planning rules targeting vape and betting outlets in England.

She observed that Plaid Cymru had instead announced a taskforce, this time concerning high street renewal.

She stated this was insufficient and that Welsh high streets required action now rather than further delay.

The people of Wales deserved less discussion and more concrete measures, she added.

Ms Bryant called on the Welsh administration to promptly adopt the same planning regulations as those introduced in England.

She voiced criticism of Plaid Cymru for what she characterised as an absence of firm action.

She noted that Plaid Cymru appeared to be producing strategies without making actual decisions or implementing genuine measures.

At the same time, the new UK Labour administration was moving quickly with practical changes.

Under the English system, every new shop trading in e-cigarettes or vaping products would need to submit an application to their local council for permission to trade. Ms Bryant suggested that extending this arrangement to Wales would enable local authorities and residents to have genuine influence over the future of their high streets.