Fears grow that gaming centre may be given green light

11:10am Wednesday 7th May 2008

FEARS are mounting that plans for a controversial gambling arcade will be given the green light.

In April 2007, Enfield Council's planning committee rejected an application to convert a commercial property in The Broadway, in Southgate Circus, into a gaming centre.

However, applicant Ablethird Ltd appealed the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

The Government body has the power to overrule the council's decision, and fears are growing that it will do exactly that later this month.

Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes has said that the arcade would be "a stake in the heart of Southgate".

And opposition to the arcade, which would sit between two banks in a heritage area, is widespread.

Ablethird's parent company Agora has refused to comment on the plan or to respond to concerns.

However, Michael Blagden, principal of Southgate College, said that he "wholeheartedly objects" Ablethird's application.

Mr Blagden fears for youngsters' education and community relations if it gets the go-ahead, and has urged the Planning Inspectorate to throw out the appeal.

In a letter to the state organisation he wrote: "Prompt attendance at lectures and lessons is a continuing issue for the college and involves considerable staff time in chasing up latecomers and temporary absentees.

"The creation of a gaming/amusement arcade would only worsen this situation."

Southgate councillor Edward Smith echoed these concerns.

He said: "The council has a policy to turn such applications down, as they're of no benefit to anyone except the owners.

"It's easier for youngsters to use the machines in a games arcade than in betting shops, which attract older customers."

Local businesswoman Jill Sinnott said: "It's not appropriate for the location, but we are powerless."

Committee members cited concerns over "noise, activity and general disturbance, particularly in the evenings".

It would also be another nail in the coffin of a protocol which requires that 65 per cent of commercial units be retail-based.

Enfield Southgate councillor Robert Hayward estimates that the current figure for the area stands at 45 per cent.