STOP ANOTHER ADULT GAMING ARCADE!
Back in July 2023 we put in an objection to a licence for an adult gaming centre in the former Lloyds Bank on the high street.
We knew it was difficult to oppose because the grounds for objecting are limited. The Council’s powers are limited and they can only make a decision based around the legitimacy of the business rather than the needs of the community. We were unsuccessful but we knew the next step was for Palace Amusements to apply for planning permission and change of use from financial services (Class E(c)(i)) to Adult Gaming Centre (Sui Generis) with 24/7 hours operation and minor alterations to the shopfront'.
Palace Amusements have been biding their time but have have now submitted a planning application. They have not been particularly open in publicising their planning application but nothing slips past the Palmers Green Action Team! Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of time to object and the deadline is 25 June 2024. .
Palace Amusements have also been opportune in picking their timing to lodge a planning application during the election period when MPs and Councillors are unable to speak out. Prior to the dissolution of Parliament, local MP Bambos Charalambous was preparing to object on behalf of his constituents, and you can read his proposed objection here.
Proposals for betting shops will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:
a. The proposed development is located within a local or district centre, or within the secondary shopping frontage of Enfield Town.
b. There should be a minimum of five non-betting shop units between the proposed site and the next betting shop premises, or at least 25m, between them, whichever is greater.
The new proposed Palace Amusement shop (on 369-371 Green Lanes) will open just one shop apart from the existing Ladbrokes on 363-365 Green Lanes (19 meters) and 24 metres away from Paddy Power.
c. The proposal should be designed such as to provide an active frontage during the daytime and evening, and to have a positive visual impact on the street.
The frontage of other Palace Amusement sites does not allow a visual engagement between the street users and the premises as they have black out glass and are dominated by screens or vinyl stickers and posters.
Hence the proposed change of use will be contrary to Policy DMD 33 (b) and (c).
How to object
Please lodge a complaint with Enfield Council by 25 June 2024 so we can try and prevent yet another gambling establishment in the heart of our community. You will need to have an Enfield Council website account to lodge your complaint. Please reference the points above as well as any other points you would like to raise.
