Second Time Lucky for Peterborough Casino Application

_{Peterborough City Centre, where New Horizon Amusements' expansion has sparked debate. (Image: eye35 / Alamy)}

Planners are coming to terms with the need to repurpose vacant commercial buildings across the UK. As a result, adult gaming centres or ‘cashinos,’ are gaining popularity, even more so than land-based casinos.

In the latest planning application for an adult gaming centre in Peterborough, Ticketgrange Limited, which runs a New Horizon Amusements bingo premises in the city, has had their application to expand its premises into an adjoining building recommended for approval. 

It is the second time the company has applied to the council.

Peterborough City Council recommended approval at a meeting on Tuesday, Feb 11.

MP Raises Concerns Over More Gaming Centres

Andrew Pakes MP called for a stronger local plan "to set out limits on betting and gambling shops and to address the cumulative impact of these on the city centre."

He also expressed concern about New Horizon's proximity to the war memorial, job centre and other facilities on Bridge Street, according to the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ticketgrange UK changed the shopfront design in the most recent application and said the vacant next-door unit, which was used by the Works store, would create "enhanced vitality and vibrancy."

Concerns were also raised by Peterborough’s Civic Society and Cambridgeshire Police. The Civic Society said that the loss of the retail unit would "negatively impact the street scene" and the area around the town hall.

Area Already Known for Crime

Cambridgeshire Police said the area was known for crime and anti-social behaviour, but there was no record of New Horizon contributing to or causing issues.

Peterborough City Council recommended approval for the plans given that they adhered to the local plan and the illuminated signs were acceptable and not "overly dominant."