Planning Inspector Overturns Council Ban on North Shields Gambling Arcade

_{Planning approved at the Collingwood Centre. (Image: Google)}

A controversial 24-hour slots casino has been approved for North Shields after national planners overturned North Tyneside Council’s refusal.

The decision clears the way for Luxury Leisure, operator of Admiral gaming venues, to convert a vacant unit at the Collingwood Centre in Preston Grange into a round-the-clock gambling arcade.

Council members had rejected the proposal earlier this year following 130 local objections, joined by MP Sir Alan Campbell, public health officials, and ward councillors. Residents voiced concerns about crime, addiction, and the casino’s proximity to schools and family homes.

Council Refusal Overturned on Appeal

In a ruling released this week, Planning Inspector P. Storey said North Tyneside Council had failed to provide “substantiated evidence” that the gambling venue would harm the community.

“Whilst the depth of local feeling and the scale of local opposition to the proposal is noted, there is no substantive evidence that the proposal would conflict with any of the development plan’s objectives or undermine the character or function of the centre.”

Storey found no proof that the development would cause an “overconcentration of gambling uses” or increase anti-social behaviour, and accepted the company’s pledge to use “robust age-verification procedures.”

Anger From Local Leaders

Community leaders described the ruling as a blow to residents who had fought to block the casino.

Councillor David Lilly, who represents Preston with Preston Grange, called the verdict “an absolute disgrace.”

“From day one, the local councillors and hundreds of residents have fought tooth and nail against this totally inappropriate development, yet the views of our community have been completely ignored,” he said. “A 24-hour casino has no place next to a school and family homes.”

Lilly added that residents “are rightly furious” and vowed to continue pressing for tighter controls on local gambling sites.

A North Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “The council notes the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to allow the appeal for an adult gaming centre at the Collingwood Centre in North Shields.”

Gambling Oversupply Concerns

The decision reignites debate about gambling venue density in North Tyneside. Data from the UK Gambling Commission shows the region already hosts a high concentration of betting shops and adult gaming centres relative to its population.

Public health experts have repeatedly warned that areas with more gambling premises face higher rates of gambling-related harm, including financial distress and mental health issues.

While the Planning Inspectorate based its decision on land-use policy rather than moral or social grounds, campaigners argue that national planning rules fail to reflect the social impact of 24-hour gaming sites.

Company must Apply for Gambling Licence

Luxury Leisure must now apply for a gambling premises licence from the North Tyneside Licensing Committee and meet operational requirements under the Gambling Act 2005, including age-verification checks and self-exclusion options for players.

Residents say they plan to monitor the venue closely once it opens. “Local voices matter,” Lilly said. “We’ll keep fighting to make sure they’re heard.”