Betting shop plan for Staple Hill backed by ‘generic’ statement for city 200 miles away

Controversial plans for a third betting shop in Staple Hill are backed by an ‘economic benefits’ statement for a city almost 200 miles away - yet councillors are being recommended to approve the idea at a meeting this week.

The mistake was revealed ahead of the South Gloucestershire Council Development Management Committee meeting to decide on the matter this Thursday (January 19).

In the supporting statement written by Lichfields, on behalf of applicants BoyleSports, it said: “This proposal, through direct investment from BoyleSports (UK) Limited, would contribute to the economic growth of Wakefield City Centre.” It adds that ‘the proposal should therefore be viewed favourably’.

The wording appears to be generic, say officers at South Gloucestershire Council, who, despite strong opposition to the plan, say the planning application for the former Lloyds Bank in High Street should be approved.

Having received objections from some in the community concerned over the impact of the betting shop on the vibrancy of the High Street, the officers did their own survey of the area which showed, if opened, the new shop would mean under 4% of the occupied units on the road would be betting shops.

They said the area had a ‘good mix of shops’ and that a third betting shop ‘would not represent a negative clustering of this type of premises’. The two other betting shops are around 75 metres and 60 metres from the proposed site, they added.

The officers concluded: “The introduction of a betting shop in this location would not be harmful to the vibrancy, vitality and function of the high street, would be complementary to the vision [of the High Street].”

The officers also said the proposal would bring back into use an empty unit and, in response to concerns over people getting into debt, said that planning policy could not dictate how people spent their money.

They added that betting shop customers would ‘quite likely’ use nearby shops and bring added footfall in the shopping area.

Councillors do not have to follow their officers’ recommendations - however, this is a blow for the hundreds of people who objected to the planning application.

Among those to oppose the proposal was local councillor Ian Boulton, who also raised concern over the ‘lifting’ of an assessment for Wakefield for the application . He wrote: “In the most economically deprived super output area in South Gloucestershire this sends entirely the wrong message about our High Street which has enjoyed a reputation for being a vibrant town centre with a wide range of shops. This reputation is being seriously eroded- enabled by planning decisions in recent years.”

One member of the public objecting wrote: “My husband’s gambling addiction ruined our lives, places like this are fuel addictions and tempt vulnerable people.” And another said: “Betting brings no value to an area, especially when there are already two places nearby for people to do this if they choose to. This building could become a great venue or cafe / restaurant for lots of the local community to enjoy.”

BristolWorld will publish a report on a decision following Thursday’s meeting