Proposed 24/7 gambling shop in Ashford sparks outcry of objections
The site is said to add “vitality and viability” to the town centre
A proposed 24/7 gambling shop in the former Barclays bank building in Ashford has sparked an outcry from local residents.
Planning application for an “adult gaming centre” on the Church Road site is said to add “vitality and viability” to the town centre, according to documents submitted to Spelthorne.
However, over 200 letters have flooded into the council to object against the plan, with only been three letters in support, at the time of writing.
Objections currently stand at 208 and began pouring in from May 24.
One response said: “This would be a hideous mistake for our high street; it would attract all sorts of dubious characters.”
On the flip side, rather than the gambling shop encouraging anti-social behaviour, one resident said it would “keep people out of trouble” and “give them something to do”.
Other commentators complained about the empty shops in the high street, and claimed the new gaming centre would add life to the town and bring in money.
Others dubbed the shop as ‘morally wrong’ and ‘socially irresponsible’ and residents said people should not be encouraged to spend money they do not have.
Critics said the gaming centre will “create more opportunity for poverty” and noted food banks are frequently used in the Ashford area.
Planning documents reveal the gaming centre will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Bank Holidays.
There are a few primary schools within a short walking distance from the proposed site, and one person said: “Our children don’t need slot machines to aspire to, we don’t want gambling addicts.”
Objectors wrote they want a facility for the community, or a site which would “make Ashford a pleasure to visit” instead of the gambling shop.
One commentator suggested the bank should be turned into a community hub for the elderly a mental health cafe, or a children’s play zone.
The building is four-storeys tall and is between the restaurant Wimpy and Muggeridge of Ashford at the junction of Dudley Road and Church Road.
The top two floors are residential with the application seeking to change the use of the ground and basement floors.
The applicants have said the site would employ up to eight people.
The planning permission follows on the refusal by a different agent in November 2023.
Last year, planning permission was refused for insufficient information on noise disturbance and the potential impact on the surrounding properties.
So far, no details have been provided of the design of the shop front, but the applicant has submitted a noise impact report stating there will not be a noticeable inconvenience to neighbours.
Applicant, Astro Properties (UK) Ltd said: “The previous application was refused on two grounds and these have been addressed in the new application.
“We look forward to the Council’s decision.”
A Spelthorne Council spokesperson said: “At this stage the application is still under consideration, and we await consultee responses and comments.”
Details of the application are on the council’s website, with a decision due July 3 by the latest.
Application details: https://publicaccess.spelthorne.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SD5YL5PBLXQ00