Decision to allow fifth betting shop on street ‘a shocker’.

The decision to allow a row of five betting shops on a Bradford city center street has been dubbed a “shocker.” And a single councillor responded:

“If there was going to be five of any other type of business in a row, it would be very easily stopped.” A other person commented: “It seems like planning law and common sense don’t coincide.”

Five betting shops in a row

Last year, Bradford’s first Jenningsbet branch opened in an empty unit on Broadway, completing a row of five gambling enterprises on a street with only six business units.

Bradford Council initially denied an application to convert a former pub into a betting shop, claiming that the spread of such establishments could hurt persons at risk of gambling addiction.

However, the company appealed the decision, and last summer, a government-appointed planning inspector overruled the Council’s decision, allowing the business to start in September.

At the time, Bradford Council’s public health team viewed the refusal as a huge victory.

‘We need to improve the local data on gambling’

Members of the council’s corporate scrutiny committee, as well as councillors, expressed unhappiness with the inspector’s decision at a meeting earlier this month.

Richard Porter, a public health specialist, called the appeal result “disappointing for the district” and added, “It shows what we’re up against.”

Decision is a ‘bit of a shocker’

Regarding the decision, Councillor Mike Pollard (Cons, Balidon) stated, “I share Councillor Stubbs’ dismay. “The decision is a bit of a shocker.”

It appears that planning legislation and common sense do not accord. Councillor Nazam Azam (Lab, City), Chair of the Committee, stated: “If there were five of any other form of business in a row, it could be simply prevented.

“It gives me no hope, despite the excellent work you’re doing locally.

Without government action or support, we will not be able to reach our destination. We are not receiving that backing from the government.

“When ministers and MPs are supported by the gambling business, it is difficult to effect change. “Having five units in a row doesn’t make sense for any other type of business.”

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