Most residents are opposed to takeaways, bookies and sex shops operating in the same street, believing they can "blight" town centres, according to a new report.
A majority are worried about the impact on local areas of "clusters" of businesses such as strip clubs, bookies, tanning salons and late night fast food takeaways, a survey of almost 2,000 adults for the Local Government Association (LGA) showed.
Two-thirds of those polled said they were opposed to rules that allowed betting shops to take over banks and building societies premises without planning permission.
Sir Merrick Cockell, chairman of the LGA, said: "This opinion poll shows local people want government to give councils the powers to tackle unsightly clusters of sex shops, bookies and takeaways that can blight so many of our high streets.
"People want action so the places they live, work and shop can be revitalised to reflect how they want them to look and feel.
"Councils want high streets to thrive and are on the side of local people and are ready to put a stop to high numbers of unsavoury takeaways, betting shops and strip clubs where there is a demand to do so.
"High streets across the UK have suffered a cardiac arrest and it is now time to let local authorities step in and deliver the necessary life support."
The LGA said councils wanted the power to stop an over concentration of supermarkets in towns and were keen to promote a greater diversity of smaller, independent retailers.
