Leeds city centre to get 24-hour gambling venue despite business objections
The site will operate for 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the city centre
A vacant city centre building is set to be converted into a 24-hour gambling venue despite opposition from nearby businesses.
Amusement firm Noble Corp Ltd sought planning permission to take over a former cafe on Vicar Lane.
Leeds City Council approved a change of use of Swissly Cafe near Kirkgate Market and the Corn Exchange.
A council planning officer’s report said: “The Adult Gaming Centre (ACG) would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The proposed internal layout includes gaming machines, a cash desk, storage and toilet facilities.”
The council said objections were received from planning consultants representing two unnamed businesses.
One said: “There is already a concentration of gambling-type uses in the surrounding area and a further unit would lead to over-concentration.”
The council said crime prevention plans should be drawn up, including CCTV, alarms and measures to prevent anti-social behaviour.
The planning report said: “Bringing a vacant unit back into active use is welcomed, as this can increase legitimate activity and support natural surveillance within the area.”
The new ACG would be close to existing gambling outlets including Betfred, Admiral Casino and William Hill.
A report by law firm Woods Whur said the venues were not typically associated with crime or anti-social behaviour.
It said: “The applicant is an experienced operator, with other AGC premises including 24/7 venues, and all operate without complaints of noise, anti-social behaviour, crime or other nuisance.”
A premises licence would also be needed for the new venue, set to create six full-time jobs.
Noble Corp already operates licensed premises in Bolton, Durham, South Shields, Wigan and Stockton-on-Tees.
The applicant secured a ten-year lease on the Leeds premises and was planning to invest around £150,000.
The Woods Whur report said: “This investment demonstrates a long-term commitment to the site which will support the economic role of the city centre and create an added leisure use, contributing positively to the vibrancy and vitality of Leeds city centre.”