Bookies decision slammed




Cllrs Varley and Elliott outside the proposed betting shop

  A decision by a Planning Inspector to grant planning permission for the bookies William Hill to open a shop on Windsor Court in Morley has been slammed by local MBI Councillors Shirley Varley and Judith Elliott. The controversial decision overturns a refusal notice form both Leeds City Council and Morley Town Council.

Cllr Shirley Varley said “This is an outrageous decision that ignores the concerns of local people. The Planning Inspector accepts that this betting shop breaches planning rules but still grants planning permission against the wishes of local people.”

The Planning Inspector states in his decision notice “I observed on my site visit that the town centre had a strong retail presence, with a good range of shops and a relatively low level of vacancies, although there were two other vacant units within Windsor Court. At the time of my visit the centre was busy and vibrant.”

Cllr Judith Elliott said “It appears from the Inspectors decision notice that because the Town Centre is doing well in these difficult times then a betting office is acceptable! Presumably if the Town centre was failing then he would have refused planning permission.”

Councillors opposed the application as they believed it was important to avoid the Town Centre becoming over dominated by betting shops. They also had concerns that its location could impact on children and young people who would pass the betting shop on their way to school.

Cllr Varley said “This is a rejection of local democracy and undermines the wishes of local people. This decision is taken by a Planning inspector who doesn’t live in the area and visited the Town Centre briefly for a short period of time. Local decision making has been rejected and the interests of a wealthy nationally based business put above the wishes of local residents.”