Harringay & St . Ann's news from Tottenham Labour

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Permalink Reply by Alison P on December 1, 2008 at 15:05

I'm afraid we don't have a say, nor does the council and nor does our MP. Not really anyway.

The legislation is new, it came in a few years back. You might remember; everyone got their knickers in a twist about supercasinos but mostly missed the fact that the rules would mean local councils have less control over what sorts of gambling places could open up in the area.

I don't know specifically how this relates to gaming centres but certainly councils could previously refuse to allow a new betting shop to open if they felt there were enough betting shops already in the area. That rule doesn't apply any more; now the council has to prove that the betting shop would cause harm, which is obviously harder to do ..

There are various other clauses too, which I can't remember at the moment.

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Permalink Reply by Simon T on December 1, 2008 at 15:09

thanks Alison

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Permalink Reply by Office of David Lammy MP on December 2, 2008 at 12:05

David Lammy said:

Having opposed this gaming arcade during both its original planning and licensing stages, I was shocked to hear that far from listening to local concerns, the applicants have decided to expand this arcade through a licensing slight of hand. It is clear to anyone looking at this premises that this is one building and should not have three licenses.

I know how angry the community is about this situation, and I will continue to oppose this application and any new expansion of gambling or gaming premises on Green Lanes. Please find a copy of my representations below:

27 November 2008

Dear Sir/Madam,

Application for three Gaming Premises Licence Applications at 48 Grand Parade, Green Lanes, London, N4 1AG.

I am writing both as a concerned local resident and as Tottenham’s MP to object strongly to the above gaming premises licence applications which would allow the opening of three adult gaming centres at 48 Grand Parade.

Having objected to this application at an earlier licensing stage and at its planning stage, I am disappointed that the application is still being considered. However, I was deeply shocked to learn that the applicant, Agora, has now asked that three gaming premises licence applications are considered at the above single premises.

The alleged ‘three separate premises’ will be separated by opaque glass partitions and a central corridor. There will be a single front entrance, a single sales counter and it will remain as a single postcode. It seems very clear that Agora is attempting to suggest three premises exist where there is demonstrably only one.

As you will no doubt be aware, if Agora is granted the three licenses they will be allowed to treble the number of gaming machines in the building. I am sure you will agree that this would be a deeply undesirable outcome and would go against the spirit of the rules outlining the acceptable number of gaming machines in single premises.

Submitting three applications seems to be clear attempt to deceive Haringey Council and I hope you will ensure that it is not successful.

Over the past few years the local community, supported by activists and local politicians have worked hard to improve Green Lanes – creating a more positive environment for local residents and businesses. Tougher licensing and planning enforcement has been a part of this process. It is vital that this work is allowed to continue and refusing these three applications would certainly contribute to the ongoing effort.

I have been proud to be a part of local campaigns to oppose new applications where they have the potential to damage the community. I feel strongly that this is another such occasion and I am therefore adding my support to those local residents and councillors who have already written in and signed petitions opposing this application.

Yours sincerely

DAVID LAMMY
Member of Parliament for Tottenham

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Permalink Reply by Simon T on December 2, 2008 at 12:11

Hello David,
Could you as an MP work towards a change in the law to stop these applications being so easily put through despite the local community opposing it?

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Permalink Reply by Alison P on December 2, 2008 at 13:49

Thanks Nora and David, have emailed an objection.

I have a vision of a battery farm style gaming centre, with lots of people a bit like chickens in their plastic booths, pecking away ...

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