Hello, I'm back, and so is the controversy about betting shops.
The London Borough of Hackney has applied to the government for stronger powers to control the concentration of betting shops in the borough. There are more than 60 bookmakers in Hackney, which is over three times the local authority average. Hackney has applied under the round of Sustainable Communities Act (SCA) bids which closed on 31 July. Of more than 500 local people responding through Hackney’s consultation e-panel, 64% supported the idea that the Council could get new powers to limit the concentration of betting shops.
Full story from Planning Daily.
I notice there's about to be another (William Hill?) down opposite Mother's Square. Lucky us.
Posted by: Matthew Lever | September 13, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Interesting, I know that William Hill tried to open a shop in the new development almost opposite Mother's Square a few years ago. The development at 144 Lower Clapton Road is managed by Family Mosaic,they had problems letting the commercial unit under the block. As far as I know it has remained empty since the block was finished about 4 years ago. William Hill were prevented at the time, by a combination of angry residents and the Housing Association itself, and William Hill withdrew the application. Perhaps they are having another go for the same unit.
Posted by: Martin Togher | September 18, 2009 at 11:24 AM
It's a little late in the day don't you think. What will happen to the ones already in existence?
Posted by: Criss Cross | October 03, 2009 at 09:24 PM