Planning Inspector Rejects 24-Hour Gambling Venue in Wealdstone Appeal
Pure Gaming Ltd’s bid for a bingo hall with adult gaming machines at 153-155 Uxbridge Road fails
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Ealing Council has successfully defended its refusal of a 24-hour gambling venue in Wealdstone after an independent planning inspector dismissed an appeal by the operator, Pure Gaming Ltd. The proposed development at 153-155 Uxbridge Road, adjacent to the clock tower, would have converted a vacant ground-floor unit into a bingo hall with adult-only gaming machines, open to customers aged 18 and over.
The council initially rejected the application due to concerns about its impact on the town centre, nearby residents, and the character of the area. Pure Gaming Ltd appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, which this week upheld the council’s decision.
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Inspector’s Findings
The planning inspector concluded that Pure Gaming Ltd had not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate the venue would enhance the town centre or present an inviting appearance. The site is located in a prominent position, and the inspector found the proposal lacked the necessary business appeal to justify its operation.
The premises includes residential flats above the proposed venue. The inspector noted that Pure Gaming Ltd had not submitted a noise impact assessment to address potential disturbances for residents. The 24-hour operation raised concerns about customers arriving, leaving, or congregating outside during night-time and early morning hours.
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Metropolitan Police also raised concerns about existing crime and antisocial behaviour in the immediate vicinity. The inspector agreed that the venue could exacerbate these issues, outweighing the potential benefits of bringing an empty unit back into use and creating 14 jobs.
“We want our town centres to be lively, welcoming and successful, but new business proposals must also protect people’s quality of life and contribute positively to the local area.”
Cllr Monica Hamidi, Ealing Council cabinet member for good growth
Next Steps for Residents
The Planning Inspectorate’s decision is final, and no further appeals are expected. Residents can access the full report on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. Ealing Council has not indicated any plans to revisit the application for the site.
Questions this report answers
+Why did the planning inspector reject the 24-hour gambling venue?
The inspector rejected the venue because Pure Gaming Ltd failed to prove it would enhance the town centre or justify 24-hour operation. The proposal lacked evidence of business appeal and did not address noise risks for residents living above the site.
+What concerns did Ealing Council raise about the venue?
Ealing Council cited noise disturbance risks for residents, potential crime and antisocial behaviour increases, and the venue’s impact on the town centre’s character. These concerns led to the initial refusal of the application.
+What happens next after the inspector’s decision?
The Planning Inspectorate’s decision is final, with no further appeals expected. Residents can review the full report on the Planning Inspectorate’s website, and Ealing Council has no plans to revisit the application.
+How many jobs would the venue have created?
The venue would have created 14 jobs, as stated in Pure Gaming Ltd’s appeal documents. However, the inspector’s decision means these jobs will not materialise.
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