THE government has unveiled plans it says will help revive Britain's high streets and market towns.

It hopes more retailers will offer "click and collect" services – ensuring the rise of internet shopping supports local shops, rather than competing with town centres.

The UK is a big user of click and collect services, where shoppers order online and then collect their goods from a local retail outlet.

Some 35% of online shoppers have used a click and collect service – and with that figure set to double within the next three years.

High Streets minister Penny Mordaunt said shops would be able to build click and collect facilities, such as covered collection points or lockers, without making a planning application.

The proposals would also enable retailers to install new loading bay doors and ramps without first seeking planning permission.

Ms Mordaunt said this would leave them well placed to accept more deliveries for local online shoppers to collect – although key safeguards would remain in place.

The new permitted development right would exclude listed buildings and would not allow the size of an existing loading bay to increase by more than 20%.

And any new "click and collect" facilities could only be within the boundaries of existing premises, such as the car park, said Ms Mordaunt.

With leading retailers like Argos are already offering this service across their stores, the move would enable smaller and independent shops to follow suit, she added.

"Click and collect is set to be the next big thing on the high street, as discerning online shoppers look to the convenience of the high street as much as their computer screens.

"Today's proposals would help not just larger retailers but also independent and smaller shops to benefit, ensuring their premises were fit for the needs of the 21st century shopper."

The announcement was one of a range of measures taken by the government to support the revival of high streets across the country.

The £1 billion package of support includes a £1,000 business rate discounts for retail premises, including shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Ministers have also announced an extension to the doubling of small business rate relief and allow businesses to pay annual business rate bills over a year, rather than 10 months.