Betting shop plans in Gloucester rejected

Gloucester does not want more betting shops to harm the city’s heritage.

That is the message civic leaders sent out last night (august 2) as they rejected plans for a new bookies at 11 Northgate Street.

Gloucester City Councillors debated BoyleSports Limited’s plans to change the building’s use from class E commercial to a betting office with internal and external alterations.

George Williams, speaking on behalf of the applicant, welcomed the officer’s recommendation to approve the scheme,

He told the planning committee that the scheme was in line with the development plan and was consistent with national planning policies.

He said: “The proposed development would contribute to the vitality of the town centre by increasing footfall to the city centre and attracting customers to the area who will spend money in nearby shops.

“The proposed use as a betting office would not give rise to any detrimental amenity concerns within the existing commercial setting.

“The applicant has also worked collaboratively with the council’s conservation officer with amendments being made to the original to appropriate to its location.”

However, Councillor Dawn Melvin (C, Westgate) said the scheme went against Gloucester’s regeneration efforts and would harm the conservation area.

She said: “This local authority has been working towards removing the amount of gambling establishments in the city not adding to them. I know this building very well. This is a very attractive building in Northgate Street.

“It could be a beautiful location. It will not be a beautiful location if it is painted petrol blue and, if it is anything like the normal logos we have on these betting shops, they are the most revolting and obtrusive things you ever see.

“Everyone is working hard to up our game as a city. There are six betting shops in our four gate streets. This is not what we signed up for.

“The site is within the primary shopping area of the city and we cannot lose this.  This is not what we should be looking at for our city centre.”

Councillor Howard Hyman (LD, Elmbridge) said his main concern was the impact the alterations would have on the historic buildings.

Chairman Steve Morgan (C, Grange) said he was sympathetic with the views that another betting shop is not needed in the city.

But he felt there were no planning reasons to refuse the scheme and proposed approval. This was seconded by Cllr Paul Tolman (C, Westgate) but was unsuccessful.

Cllr Melvin proposed rejecting the scheme and this was backed by Cllr Pam Tracey (C, Westgate) over concerns it would harm the listed buildings, conservation area and it would lead to a loss of retail space.

The committee voted to reject the proposals by nine votes for with one abstention.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk