Betting office at 130 High Street, Gillingham

What was proposed

The application sought to change a shop into a betting office with betting stations, fixed-odds terminals, customer facilities and staff areas.

“The application seeks permission for a change of use of the property with the pedestrianised High Street of Gillingham from a shop (Class E) to betting office (Sui Generis).”

“The unit would comprise an entrance, main floorspace comprising a predominantly digital layout with bet stations, football stations, 5 over 5 gantry and fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs). In addition, there would be a customer toilet, kiosk and rear staff kitchenette with fire and service exits to the rear.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The premises are in the pedestrianised High Street, with 45 retail units within 100 metres and four betting shops or amusement arcades.

“The applicant has stated that they have undertaken a detailed survey of the existing uses on the High Street in March of this year where they counted 28 out of 172 sui generis uses. Of these, they counted 3 betting shops. It is important to note that betting shops and amusement arcades are both counted as gambling establishments and therefore should both be counted for the purposes of the survey of the High Street.”

“In May 2026, the Council undertook a survey of the main High Street area east of Skinner Street and Canterbury Street within which both the existing and proposed units are located. The results are shown below. There are 45 retail units within 100 metres radius of the application premises. Four of these are occupied by either betting shops or amusement arcades with one of these being the existing Coral betting shop which is looking to relocate to the application premises.”

Officer report

Why officers advised refusal

Officers considered the proposal would over-concentrate gambling uses, harm the retail function and affect the health and wellbeing of a vulnerable community.

“The proposed change of use would result in an over-concentration of gambling uses within the High Street that would have a detrimental effect on the retail function of the centre taking into account the proposed unit's prominent location within the centre of the pedestrianised area of the High Street and the proximity to other betting shops/amusement arcades.”

Officer report

The main planning concerns

The proposal would increase gambling premises near the site, restrict the variety of town-centre uses and encourage gambling in an area facing deprivation and health inequalities.

“Within close vicinity of the site is Mercur Slots, Admiral Casino, Bet Fred, Bensons Amusements, Paddy Power and the existing Coral premises. This does not include other venues such as pubs, hotels, and social clubs that may host gaming machines, or retail outlets selling lottery tickets and scratch cards.”

“Therefore, overall, the principle of converting the existing retail unit into a betting shop is not considered acceptable as it would further increase the number of gambling premises within the core retail area resulting in an over-proliferation of such uses that would restrict the variety and diversification of retail provision to the local community.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Twelve letters, a 47-signature petition and public representatives’ objections raised concerns about crime, gambling concentration, regeneration, diversity and community wellbeing.

“Councillor McDonald, the Ward councillor, has objected to the application citing significant concerns regarding the cumulative impact of another gambling premises on the town centre, local residents, public health, community wellbeing and the wider regeneration aspirations of Gillingham.”

“Naushabah Khan, the Member of Parliament for Gillingham and Rainham has objected to the application citing the negative effect on vitality, diversity or long-term regeneration of the High Street.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The service manager and senior planner outlined the application and supplementary advice, while Councillor McDonald spoke as ward councillor against it.

What members discussed

Members recognised the importance of investment and regeneration but considered that regeneration should not be pursued at any cost.

“The Committee discussed the planning application in detail and acknowledged the importance of investment and regeneration within Gillingham Town Centre. However, Members were of the view that regeneration should not be pursued at any cost.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused the application for the reason set out in the report.

“Refused for the reason set out in the report.”

Minutes