Forum topic: PG Action team leading fight to block new gambling venue

Draft submission by former MP Bambos Charalambous

I wish to raise an objection on the above planning proposal reference 24/01776/FUL Change of use of the ground floor from Financial Services (Class E(c)(i)) to Adult Gaming Centre (Sui Generis) with 24/7 hours operation and minor alterations to the shopfront on the following grounds:

1. Policy DMD 33 “Betting Shops” states proposals for betting shops will only be permitted if all the following criteria are met:

a) The proposed development is located within a local or district centre, or within the secondary shopping frontage of Enfield Town;

b) There should be a minimum of five non-betting shop units between the proposed site and the next betting shop premises, or at least 25m, between them, whichever is greater; and

c); The proposal should be designed such as to provide an active frontage during the daytime and evening, and to have a positive visual impact on the street.

In terms of other “betting” outlets in Palmers Green, we already have:

Betfred, 319 Green Lanes,

Ladbrokes, 363-365 Green Lanes,

Paddy Power, 314 Green Lanes,

There is also a bingo outlet at Merkur Slots, 292 Green Lanes, LONDON, N13 5TW.

The Ladbrokes Betting Shop at 363-365 Green Lanes would only be separated by a single unit from that proposed and thus the proposed change of use would be contrary to Policy DMD 33 (b)

2 Enfield has policies which encourage the diversification of town centres to support viability and vitality including Policy DMD 27 ‘Angel Edmonton, Edmonton Green, Southgate and Palmers Green’ states that the Council will protect the existing retail uses by managing the loss of A1 retail. This would be a loss of retail.

3. Policy DMD 34 ‘Evening Economy’ states that development proposals should ensure there is no adverse effect on the amenity of neighbouring or local residents. Additionally, Policy DMD 68 ‘Noise’ seeks to ensure that developments are sensitively designed, managed and operated to reduce exposure to noise and noise generation. An additional adult gaming centre would have an adverse effect on the amenity of local residents and would generate noise.

4. The London Plan (policy SD6) states that over concentrations of ‘…betting shops, pawnbrokers, pay-day loan stores, amusement centres … can give rise to particular concerns. This would have an impact on impact on mental and physical health and wellbeing of residents, and would affect amenity, vitality, viability and diversity.

5. This proposal will cause harm to the vitality and viability of Palmers Green Town centre through the clustering of betting shops and gambling premises, including harm caused through anti-social behaviour.