Amendments to the Localism Bill continue to be examined at committee stage in the House of Lords today. New clauses were introduced which would make changes to the planning category of betting shops. It is argued that the gambling industry and bookmakers in particular are flouting the gambling rules. Establishments are opening up across London and it is feared that this will have a deadening effect on the diversity of businesses available on the high street.
The aim of the amendment is that local communities and local authorities should have the planning powers to limit new gambling premises, putting betting shops in a sui generis class of their own in the same way that casinos and amusement arcades are. Planning permission would always be required for a new betting shop if this amendment is carried. At the moment betting shops are in Use Class A2, so it is possible to change from a Bank or Estate Agency to a Betting shop without planning permission, provided services are available to visiting members of the public.
The Government has opposed the amendments but have undertaken to would look at the issue further. They announced in the Budget a review of how use class. Orders, relating to a change in use, are handled in the planning system.
By Nick Sanders
