MP Backs Call for Gambling Reforms from Local Authorities

_{MP Lincoln Jopp is backing calls for gambling reforms. (Image: Laurie Noble, CC)}

Pressure is mounting on the gambling industry as councils across the UK set their sights on calling for reforms to gambling laws.

In one of the latest developments relating to planning applications, three Surrey councils have signed an open letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, along with 40 others from across the country, to call for reform of gambling laws, which will impact land based and online casinos. The letter has also been endorsed by the all-party parliamentary group on gambling reform.

Impact of Current Planning Laws on Gambling Premises

As it stands, businesses can apply for planning permission to open adult gaming centres, often referred to as casinos. Adult gaming centres were a new category of premises introduced by the 2005 Gambling Act. Only certain types of gaming machines can operate in them, and there are licensing requirements. Businesses can apply to open new premises or adapt redundant premises.  

Councils Have the Power to Approve or Refuse Planning  

It is predominantly for the council to approve or turn down the applications on the basis of planning laws; however, people are able to object and make representations in writing or in person at one of the planning committee meetings held by most local authorities.

The local authority planning process for commercial premises involves assessing whether a proposed development or change of use requires planning permission, and if so, the process includes submitting an application, potentially a pre-application consultation, public consultation, and a decision-making process.  

A planning application can be refused for numerous reasons, including failing to comply with local and national planning policies, negatively impacting the environment, being out of character with the surrounding area, or raising concerns about highway safety, loss of light, or loss of privacy. Incomplete applications, incorrect fees, and insufficient information can also lead to refusal or invalidation.

Community Opposition to New Gambling Facilities in Surrey

It follows the approval of a new gambling facility in Ashford, Surrey, at a former bank, which drew a number of objections from local people. The call is for local authorities to have more power to refuse planning applications for gambling premises, a ban on gambling advertising and additional funding for research into gambling addiction.  

Hundreds of letters were sent objecting to the application by Astro Property (MK) Ltd for a new centre on the ground floor of a former bank in Ashford, which was approved on appeal by a planning inspector. Spelthorne's MP, Lincoln Jopp, also opposed the plan.

Despite any objections around planning applications for change of use, operators can appeal decisions, which could prove costly for the council and would have to provide an extremely good reason as to why a legitimate business cannot open its doors in a building which has been used for business purposes. 

The gambling facility in Ashford will not now be open 24/7, and the operator still has to seek a license from Spelthorne Borough Council.