West London Borough Denies Approval for New Casino Featuring Slot Machines
A Third Strike for Silvertime Amusements in Harlesden
Once more, the planning committee of the west London borough of Brent has thwarted Silvertime Amusements Limited's proposal to transform a former bookmakers' site into a slot machine casino. This is the third rejection for this destination in Harlesden's neighborhood, with the earlier applications meeting their demise due to an overabundance of gaming establishments. The inhabited region of approximately 17,000 people has earned the nickname 'London's Vegas' due to its six adult gaming centers, hailing from brands such as Ladbrokes, William Hill, and Paddy Power.
Shifting Scenery
Currently, Silvertime Amusements Limited operates a pair of slot casinos in Harlesden. They had hoped that the recent closure of a nearby pawnbroker would pave the way for their newest plan, which involved splitting the site into a sports betting shop and an adult gaming center teeming with the latest gaming machines. Despite the planning officers' recommendation in favor of this latest proposal, the local planning committee refused and vetoed it on Wednesday due to the continued fear of over-concentration. Three local councillors — Matt Kelcher, Mili Patel, and Jumbo Chan — have been vocal opponents of the plan, having organized a demonstration against it in July.
Questionable Intentions
Patel told the planning committee that Park Parade is already riddled with anti-social behavior, and the introduction of another slot machine casino, situated less than 200 yards from Silvertime Amusements Limited's existing local sites, would exacerbate the problems.
"Adult gaming centers exploit the susceptible by offering numerous gambling activities to people with meager funds," Patel remarked. "This goes against Brent's policy to deter the overcrowding of gambling dens."
Potential Advantages
In its application, Silvertime Amusements Limited claimed that its desired venture on Park Parade would enhance Harlesden's evening economy with 'no adverse impact on retailing activity' or the personality of the community's central shopping area.
Prospective Prospects
Kelcher declared that this latest decision sends a clear message that Harlesden can chart a promising future by attracting 'independent cafes and shops' rather than gambling enterprises that 'exploit some of our society's most vulnerable members.'
"We are thrilled that the planning committee heeded the local community's voice and rejected these plans, which would have fostered an over-concentration of gambling establishments in Harlesden and undermined the tremendous progress our local police have made in combating anti-social behavior in the area," Kelcher added. "We hope the landlords will now seek new tenants for the site who will embody this vision."
- Despite the increasing number of casino-games and casino-and-gambling establishments in Harlesden, such as those run by Ladbrokes, William Hill, and Paddy Power, the planning committee of Brent has rejected Silvertime Amusements Limited's proposal to open another adult gaming center.
- With the recent rejection of Silvertime Amusements Limited's plan to open another casino-and-gambling venue, local councillors Matt Kelcher, Mili Patel, and Jumbo Chan are optimistic about Harlesden's future, envisioning it to be filled with independent cafes and shops rather than gambling enterprises that exploit vulnerable individuals.
