I have found it extremely frustrating that relevant authorities cannot limit the number of these type of premises in our communities.
You will be aware that there are very specific grounds upon which a Planning Authority can refuse an application, for example, where a betting shop operator applies for a change of use from a retail shop to a betting office (which is considered in planning terms as a 'dead frontage' as there are no retail sales taking place; and as such no goods for sale to be seen through the window), the only ground for refusal would be that it was reducing the 'vibrance and vitality' or 'amenity'of the community.
The Government Reporter consistently upholds appeals against refusal. While Councillors, Community Rep's and the Public find this extremely frustrating, it is not the fault of the Reporters' Office as their hands are tied by the lack of overprovision as a grounds for refusal.
As a result of this, our area is saturated with bookies and cheque centre type businesses. Dumbarton High Street is only 480m long. As well as various cash shops and competing betting companies operating, it has two betting shops from the same company at either end of the road.
Loan Shops aside, a campaign has been started in England to urge the Communities Minister to grant powers to refuse permission for betting shops to relevant authorities. The campaign, started by Cllr Rowenna Davis (Labour - Peckham) and is backed by the Grasp Group, has the support of MPs and Professionals. I have already contacted Cllr Davis and the Grasp Group and we have agreed to keep each other up to date with developments, including the progress of this petition. More information can be sourced from http://www.grasp-group.org and www.rowennadavis.com
The Licensing Board, with the full support of our local Licensing Forum has successfully implemented an overprovision policy using the powers of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. This model has been hailed as a huge success, receiving national acclaim from individuals and organisations incuding, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill MSP, Strathclyde Police, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Alcohol Focus Scotland, and I see no reason why we cannot implement similar powers to help protect our communities from overprovision of betting and high interest loan shops.
Despite claims from Scottish Licensed Trade News, the Board have not used the policy as a 'blunt instrument' to refuse any and all applications. We have successfully rejected those applications, where the NHS and/or police have objected, we felt were not good for the area in terms of the Licensing Objectives.
More details can be obtained from the West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board & Forum websites at http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/law-and-licensing/licensing/licensing-board and http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/law-and-licensing/licensing-forum or direct from the clerk on 01389 737801