Bookies Paddy Power have won a high court appeal to open a betting shop in Faircross Parade, despite opposition from local businesses and councillors.
The shop will be situated in Barking’s Longbridge Road shopping strip, just yards from an existing Coral bookies and alongside stores including a hairdressers, convenience store, grocer, florist and hospice shop.
The ruling came after two planning applications were rejected by the council’s development control board in the last two years and is the result of an appeal against council officer’s refusal to grant permission for the second application.
Longbridge Ward councillor Rocky Gill said the result was “disappointing” and “another damning verdict” for the borough, which is now home to more than 40 betting shops including two owned by Paddy Power.
“Having a second bookies in Faircross Parade doesn’t add any value whatsoever, in fact I think it takes away value,” he said. “Residents continuously contacted me saying they didn’t want another bookies there, they wanted another style of shop.”
Current legislation means planning permission is not required to convert a bank or building society into a betting shop, with each classed as “financial and professional services”.
A spokesman for Paddy Power said the shop would be a “major local investment” bringing see a one-off investment of £260,000, on average, to the area and creating up to five new local jobs.
He said: “We are pleased with the High Court’s decision [on June 10] and look forward to opening our new shop soon.
“As a responsible operator we take proactive measures to offer a safe, responsible and enjoyable leisure experience for our customers and the wider community.
“At a time when the UK high street is facing unprecedented challenges due to the economic downturn and the emergence of out of town shopping centres we believe we can make a positive contribution to the communities we operate in.”
Read more
Opponents determined to kill third Faircross Parade betting shop bid
Bookmaker given green light to open two new betting shops in Barking and Dagenham
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here