COUNCILS in Wales should be given powers to require owners of empty town and city centre buildings to keep them in good condition, a Gwent AM has said.

Speaking in the Assembly this week, South Wales East’s David Rowlands said rows of empty, dilapidated shops could deter other businesses from moving into the area.

Currently councils can only require owners to act if the building becomes dangerous - but have no power over cosmetic appearances.

Addressing energy, planning and rural affairs secretary Lesley Griffiths, the Ukip AM said: “During a seminar given by the chief planning officer of Wales, a question was asked of him as to whether there were planning laws that would allow local authorities to enforce owners to maintain the cosmetic appearance of empty commercial premises.

“This would, of course, enhance the appearance of town centres, perhaps making them more conducive to attracting new businesses.

“Disappointingly, his answer was that there are no provisions in the Town and Country Planning Act other than to act if a premises posed an immediate risk.”

He asked: “Could the cabinet secretary look at the possibility of providing local authorities with powers to demand this cosmetic upkeep by owners?”

And fellow South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar said he was in favour of encouraging councils to allow more office space and housing in town and city centres.

“In Newport, more than 40 per cent of commercial space is in retail - much of it is struggling," he said. “Does the cabinet secretary agree that the future of our high street lies in more than just retail, and what plan does she have to change planning laws to make it easier to convert retail outlets into housing or office units?”

Saying she would consider the issue, Ms Griffiths said she agreed with Mr Rowlands' comments around the appearance of empty buildings.

“I know in my own town centre in Wrexham, if there are empty shops, it's much better if they're cosmetically decorated in a way that makes them look attractive for future business,” she said.

She added: “Shopping trends have definitely changed.

“More people are shopping online, for instance.

“We've certainly made sure that the planning policy is flexible enough to allow flats to be put above shops, for instance.

“And, obviously, we need to make sure that our towns are also central for economic and social lives, so we see much more night-time economy in these. And I think the planning policy is flexible enough to allow that to happen.”