A gambling company has appealed against a council’s refusal to allow it to open a 24-hour gambling venue in a town centre.
Merkur Slots has submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate after Worthing Borough Council rejected its application to convert the former Scope charity shop at 3–4 Chapel Road into an adult gaming centre.
Plans for the venue were originally recommended for approval by borough council planning officers in January.
However, they were subsequently blocked by the council’s planning committee in February, following unanimous opposition from councillors.
Councillor Ödül Bozkurt, who originally called-in the application to be considered by the committee, said: “The committee decided to reject the application, on the grounds that it would contravene several of the development management policies of our Local Plan.
“It was especially emphasized that it cannot be assumed the establishment would have a positive impact on nearby residents and businesses, and that it is in a current Conservation Area, in close proximity to residential areas and civic and other buildings that are important for Worthing’s heritage.”
Cllr Bozkurt previously said that approving the application could lead to increased noise, disturbance and antisocial behaviour, and warned the venue could contribute to “deprivation and decay”.
An artist’s impression of the proposed venue (Image: Planning Potential Ltd)
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In its appeal against the decision, Merkur Slots said the council’s reasoning for the refusal was “vague” and “not supported by any objective or substantive evidence”.
It added that the proposals would help improve the area by bringing a vacant unit back into use and contributing to the day and night-time economy.
The plans, which include provision for slot machines and electronic bingo, have also faced opposition from The Worthing Society and Worthing West MP Dr Beccy Cooper, who serves as vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on gambling reform.
Merkur Slots already operates several similar venues in Sussex.
The company previously had plans for a similar 24-hour venue in Hastings refused last year.