From BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22934278

Paddy Power wins licence refusal appeal

Paddy Power has won its appeal over an east London council's refusal to allow it to open a betting shop in the area.

The company is in dispute with Newham Council, which had rejected its licence application for a new shop in East Ham.

There are about 80 betting shops in Newham, the third highest number in any London borough.

Newham argued the branch of Paddy Power planned in East Ham would attract crime and anti-social behaviour and so would be in breach of the 2005 Gambling Act.

The betting firm had made the application for a licence to operate on Green Street in East Ham in February.

'Responsible leisure experience'

Following the ruling at Thames Magistrates' Court, the council said it would review the judgement and consider its next step.

Giving his judgement, District Judge Paul Goldspring said: "It has not been proved that the granting of the licence would not be reasonably consistent with objective of preventing crime and disorder and therefore I disagree with the decision of the [council's] sub-committee and, in light of the evidence before me, it was wrong."

The local authority has described the number of betting shops in the area as "unacceptable" and says the government needs to address the issue.

The betting firm said it was pleased with the ruling.

"We welcome the fact that the confusion surrounding primary activity has been clarified, with Newham conceding during the proceedings that the 2005 Gambling Act relates only to whether an operator provides genuine facilities for betting.

"Paddy Power makes a positive contribution to local communities in which it operates.

"Paddy Power is a responsible operator that takes proactive measures to offer a safe and responsible leisure experience for its customers and the community."