Adult gaming centre in Surrey town green-lit after appeal

But the proposed 24/7 ‘adult gaming centre’ has been forced to reduce planned opening hours due to concerns over ‘harmful’ noise.

The ground floor of the old Barclays Bank in Ashford town centre will be transformed into a betting palace for lucky locals.

Although planning permission has been granted, the developers will still have to get a license from Spelthorne Borough Council.

Previously attacked by residents as ‘morally wrong’ for Ashford, a planning inspector ruled in favour of the application on April 16.

But extra conditions have been strapped on to developers Astro Property (MK) Ltd.

Initially put forward as a 24-hour gambling scheme, planning inspectorate N Praine decided the gaming shop can only open between 9am and 11pm.

Developers are also required to make sure the sound insulation from the separating floors remains intact so as not to disturb the upstairs neighbours.

Noise coming from customers arriving or leaving the gambling shop late at night – shutting car doors, vaping or smoking while watching videos on their phone – was flagged as a key concern.

Mr Praine said the noise could cause “considerable and long lasting […] harm to the living conditions of neighbour[s]”.

Even though the inspector said the “benefits proposed would not outweigh the harm” of the noise, he ruled in favour of the development.

Restricting opening to close at 11pm was hoped to mitigate this impact.

Hundreds of letters were sent opposing the scheme, with even Spelthorne’s MP Lincoln Jopp stepping in to criticise the development plans.

People complained the new addition to the high street would ‘attract dubious characters’ and ‘create more opportunity for poverty’.

Citing a few primary schools within a short walking distance from the proposed site, one person said: “Our children don’t need slot machines to aspire to, we don’t want gambling addicts.”

In his decision notice, Mr Praine considered the hundreds of objections and a petition with over 1,000 signatures against the scheme.

But he argued one of the aspects of a successful town centre relies on a mixed and varied high street which “interests all members of society”.

He said: “The demands and habits of the community change over time and a healthy town centre needs to respond to these changes.

“A suitable mix of uses and facilities is essential to serve the interests of all members of society to make choices in which leisure activities they may wish to engage in.”

Answering concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, the planning inspector said there was “no compelling evidence” to show adult gaming centres increased crime and disorder.

Police & Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend did not raise any specific concerns with the proposal either.

But ultimately the developers would have to show in their gambling licensing application they have taken steps to prevent crime.

Mr Praine also said: “While gambling is primarily a leisure pursuit, I also profoundly accept the impacts of problem gambling, and the damaging effects addiction can have on individuals and those around them.”

However the inspectorate pushed back on imposing any conditions, and instead argued the gambling industry is managed by a council’s licensing powers.

Despite there being already two betting shops in Ashford Town Centre, the inspector decided there is not an “overconcentration” of adult-only gambling venues.

Planning inspectorate Mr Praine said there was limited evidence the commercial character of the Surrey town would be harmed.

Developers now have two years to create the adult gaming centre under the agreed permission.