Plans to convert a former Lloyd’s bank in Willesden, North London, into an adult gaming centre have been approved despite significant local opposition, highlighting ongoing tensions in Brent over the proliferation of gambling venues. Earlier this year, Brent Council had given permission to transform the bank premises into a bingo hall—a common step in securing gambling licences—but just two months later, the application was expanded to include adult gaming, which was granted approval in early September.

The decision has sparked outrage among residents and local politicians, who fear the clustering of gambling establishments in the borough is exacerbating social problems linked to addiction. Over 60 objections were raised against the latest application, with concerns focusing on increased antisocial behaviour, the erosion of community safety, and detrimental impacts on the local economy. Critics argue that the replacement of a community asset such as a bank with a gambling venue diminishes the neighbourhood's vitality and dissuades families and vulnerable groups from engaging in the area.

The MP for Brent East, Dawn Butler, has been vocal in opposing the expansion of gambling premises, noting the borough’s existing challenges with gambling-related harm. Butler recently submitted a parliamentary motion urging legislative changes to the Gambling Act, which currently enshrines an ‘aim to permit’ licensing rule, limiting local authorities’ capacity to refuse new gambling venues even when faced with strong evidence of community harm. She draws attention to the paradox that councils can block fast food outlets near schools to protect young people, yet are powerless to prevent gambling shops opening despite clear public health concerns. Butler emphasises that the issue is a public health crisis; nearly one person a day dies by suicide linked to gambling addiction according to available data.

Brent is home to 102 gambling premises, including betting shops, casinos, and adult gaming centres, many situated close to each other. The council’s own Local Plan caps the proportion of adult gaming centres, pawn brokers, and pay-day loan shops at 3% of town centre shop frontages. The latest approval brings the total concentration in Willesden to 2.54%, just below this threshold, a key reason cited by the planning committee for granting permission. Nevertheless, Cllr Liz Dixon was the sole committee member to oppose the decision, arguing that the conversion harms local character and the conservation area, and that such establishments neither contribute positively to the high street’s vibrancy nor the community’s health.

Council officers noted that the volume of objections received could not sway the decision as applications must comply with existing planning policies. Brent’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Mili Patel, reiterated the local authority’s ambition to overhaul planning laws to better address the spread of gambling premises. Patel highlighted the incongruity between local economic needs and the impact of gambling shops, which generate limited local economic benefit while leaving behind significant social costs. Patel also remarked on the ownership of the former bank premises, pointing out the company is registered in the Channel Islands, which raises questions about its contributions to the local economy.

The council has demonstrated a broader commitment to rejuvenate town centres and create healthier high streets through various action and investment plans. These strategies aim to tackle issues such as street-scene improvement and anti-social behaviour while promoting a diverse and inclusive local economy. However, the ongoing influx of gambling venues complicates these efforts, undermining community wellbeing and the council’s vision of vibrant, family-friendly shopping areas.

The local planning process allows residents to view and comment on applications, and the extensive objections reflect widespread unease about the direction of Willesden’s town centre. The debate encapsulates a broader struggle faced by many urban areas in balancing commercial interests with social responsibility, especially in sectors like gambling that pose significant public health risks. Brent’s campaign to change the national legislative framework governing gambling premises licensing signals a push for greater autonomy to protect communities from harmful developments.

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Source: Noah Wire Services