So...fresh from a three day hearing in Bromley Magistrate's Court which ended yesterday (Friday 7 September 2007) I have the result of the application for a licence (in what was Homeview Videos) to operate as a betting shop. The RESIDENTS won their case opposing the granting of a licence. Yes that's right. If you opposed the betting shop (and there are 5 other betting shops in just over 1/4 mile radius, not to mention the betting shop directly opposite the proposed one) it's time to jump up and down or just to congratulate yourself for helping in this effort. A handful of us presented our case in court and were commended by the Magistrate for our presentation. BUT we can't rest yet.
The applicant Portland Bookmakers or Mr King or Mr Weaver are entitled to apply again immediately (under new legislation) and this time the licence is considered and granted or declined by Lewisham Council.
Here's what you can do.
1. Keep your eyes peeled for any signs which appear on the outside of Homeview or outside nearby (eg the pole that elevates the pedestrian crossing sign) which have Lewisham Council on and will say something like "A licence to operate as a bookmakers has been applied for....just guessing; and it should have a date to write in to the Council by in order to protest.
2.The Ombudsman has decided to investigate the granting of Change of Use from A1 to A2 by (at former Homeview) If you wish to be considered as part of this investigation there is a petition to sign in Toads Mouth Too cafe.
This second one could be crucial as the Council will get an idea of the volume of people who say no! to another betting Shop and this can influence whether they grant a licence.
Glenda Rodgers from Brockley
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4 comments:
Hi Glenda
This is indeed excellent news. I didn't know that the Ombudsman is also investigating the planning consent - on what grounds? The committee being misled about it being an estate agent?
Sue
Brace your self for the news....
Wynne-Hatton Leisure Organisation Limited has applied to Lewisham Council for a licence to open a large betting shop at 329-331 Brockley Road. (The old Homeview Video shop). THIS IS A NEW APPLICATION.
If you want to object to this then you will need to let Lewisham Council know and send a letter to:
LICENSING SERVICES
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM
2ND FLOOR, LAURENCE HOUSE
1 CATFORD ROAD
LONDON SE6 4RU
THE COUNCIL MUST RECEIVE YOUR LETTER BY TUESDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2007
YOUR REASONS TO OBJECT MIGHT INCLUDE:
• THERE ARE SCHOOLS NEARBY & BUS STOPS BY THE SHOP
• WE ALREADY HAVE A BETTING SHOP OPPOSITE (CORALS)
• THERE ARE FIVE OTHER BETTING SHOPS NEARBY
• GREENWICH MAGISTRATES’ COURT HAVE ALREADY TURNED DOWN A RECENT APPLICATION.
• THERE ARE RECOVERY HOUSES WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE ADDICTIONS NEARBY
As I understand it under the new Gambling Act (2005) the Council decides by looking at the following criteria:
1. Preventing children or other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
2. Preventing a source of crime or disorder or being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime.
3. Ensure gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
This will probably be the first application Lewisham considers under the new legislation. Your support can help to make it an unsuccessful one. Sign the petitions in The Brocca & Cafe Neu or write to the Council.
Thanks
Steve
Dear Glenda,
Thank you for piece in the SE4u.
Well done.
Hopefully some more people may read it and send in objections.
I have set up an email address where people can contact me about the bookies saga for information, flyers, etc.
The email address is:
nomorebookiesinbrockley@yahoo.co.uk
Regards
Carol
Any news on the result? Fighting the same thing in Harringay and looking for what succeeds/fails in other areas.
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