Planning gain negotiations should be extended to make retail developers guarantee affordable premises for locally owned stores, a report has urged.

A study by the New Economic Foundation has found that almost half of Britain’s cities and towns have become “clones”, characterised by global and national chain stores, that could be mistaken for dozens of town centres across the country.

The report, Clone Town Britain, reveals that 42% can be classified as clone towns, and that a further 26% of “border” towns are under threat.

The NEF wants to use planning law to create more “home towns”, places with a high street that retains its individual character and is distinctive to the people who live there, as well as to those who visit.

The report said: “The negotiation between developers and planners over granting planning permissions – usually about low-cost housing – could be extended to make retail developers guarantee affordable premises for locally owned stores.”

It also suggested a moratorium on further takeovers of existing chains by any of the four largest multiple retailers in either the supermarket or convenience store sector.

NEF policy director Andrew Simms said the right changes could prevent creating more clone towns.

He said: “By promoting local shops we can enhance diversity, and increase the vitality and stability of local economies.”