Plan for 24-hour gambling centre in Worksop appears set for approval

A proposal for a new 24-hour gambling centre in Worksop is set to be given the green light, despite local objections. 

Champion Gaming Ltd is the applicant of the plan submitted to Bassetlaw District Council to renovate the former Greenwoods clothing outlet on Bridge Street, in the Nottinghamshire town. 

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Council figures have compiled a report for the planning committee, citing the need for regeneration in the town, employment opportunities, and increased footfall as motivating factors for the approval. 

As reported by the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service, the new facility would see a gaming centre opened on the ground floor of the premises, with electronic gaming and amusement machines, while there would be office space and storage provision on the first floor.

If final approval is granted, Champion Gaming envisages the creation of five full-time roles with one part-time head office position, with the centre operating all day and night.

Planning documents supporting the bid outlined the changing high street environment, conveying a need for solutions to combat urban decay:

“In addition, the retail market has changed significantly in recent years. With the advent of internet shopping, even in primary shopping areas, there has been a move toward a greater variety of operators catering to different needs.

“The role of the town centre is evolving, with a shift away from retail-dominated provision to services of all types, including leisure (e.g. bars, cafés and entertainment).”

However, significant objections have been raised within the local community, with concerns ranging from potential noise pollution to fears over the impact of such a gambling attraction. 

One contribution stated that gambling “should not be encouraged” in a “deprived” area such as Worksop. 

Among the other objections was the belief that the centre would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, heightening the prospects of crime, while others cited a detrimental effect on the community, including a negative impact on retailers nearby.

On concerns of noise problems, the applicant stated they would address this matter with the installation of double-glazing windows throughout the venue. 

The councillors' report ended with no significant concerns outlined: 

“In conclusion, AGC (adult gaming centre) use at ground floor level with associated office use at first floor level is considered in line with policy that aims to regenerate Worksop Town Centre while bringing vacant units back into uses, creating employment opportunities and footfall into the town centre which will generate associated trips to other nearby town centre uses and will not harm the vitality and viability of this primary town centre shopping frontage.

“The use will not generate unacceptable levels of noise or have a detrimental impact on the current levels of amenity to adjacent residential units, therefore the application is recommended for approval.”

Bassetlaw District Council’s planning committee is recommended to approve the application at a sitting on Wednesday 21st May.