A Retail Commission was set up by the local council in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, because of concerns that small shops were being pushed out by coffee shops and multiples.

The report makes 54 recommendations which would help small independent shops survive.

Councillor Merrick Cockell, leader of the council, said:

"I invite the Government, other councils, property owners and retailers to consider the proposals set out in this report and to give us their views.

"If the laws and regulations don’t change then our high streets surely will and not for the better."