Extended gambling hours at Cassino Slots, Littlehampton

What was proposed

The application sought to extend opening hours from restricted daytime and evening hours to 09:00–00:00 every day, including bank holidays.

“DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONThis application seeks the variation of Condition 3 imposed under LU/249/19/PL which restricted the hours of operation for the site to 09:00-21:00 hours Monday to Saturday and 10:00- 18:00 hours Sunday and Bank Holidays. The variation would result in the restricted hours of operation being 09:00-00:00 hours (midnight) Monday to Sunday, with these same hours on bank holidays.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions approved the gaming centre use and later allowed a first-floor residential flat to become office accommodation serving the business.

“LU/164/24/PLChange of use of first floor residential flat (Use Class C3) to office accommodation (Use Class E), in connection with the commercial use of 50 High Street, together with bin and cycle storage. This application is in CIL Zone 4 (Zero Rated) as other development. ApproveConditionally 20-08-24”

“LU/249/19/PLChange of use of No 48 from Licenced Betting Office & Adult Gaming Centre (Sui Generis) to Retail (A1 Shops) & No 50 from Retail (A1 Shops) to Licenced Betting Office & Adult Gaming Centre (Sui Generis). ApproveConditionally 06-12-19”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the town-centre location, existing management measures, nearby late-opening premises and economic benefits, finding no unacceptable character, noise or amenity impacts.

“The Operational and Security Management Plan is an operational document that the operator has in order to promote the licensing objectives under the Gambling Act. All Gambling Act operators have a duty to promote the licensing objectives and the Gambling Commission and Arun's Licensing department could take enforcement action if they felt that there were issues with the premises.”

“The nature and use of the site is established, the extended hours would not appear anomalous given the later closing hours of other night-time economy uses within the vicinity, and there is no evidence that the site would have any unacceptable impacts on the character of the area by virtue of ASB or any other means. The site already has suitable mitigation and management measures to effectively manage such behaviour and impacts should they occur.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council objected over noise and disturbance, Sussex Police highlighted potential additional footfall and community sensitivity, while Environmental Health raised no objection.

“LU/164/24/PL - This application approved the change of use of a first-floor residential unit at the rear of the site to an office serving the application site. REPRESENTATIONS Littlehampton Town Council - Objection: - While the Town Council wish to support night-time economy, it was felt the application could have an adverse effect on neighbouring amenity, by reason of noise and disturbance. As seen raised by Sussex Police in their consultation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke at the meeting.

What members discussed

Members asked how the management plan could be enforced and how statutory nuisance powers could address matters such as noise.

“Members sought clarification regarding the Operational Security Management Plan referred to within the report and questioned how compliance with the plan could be enforced. The Planning Officer advised that whilst the Operational Security Management Plan was not a specific condition of the premises licence, enforcement action could be taken under the Gambling Act by the Gambling Commission and the Council's Licensing Authority where issues arose in relation to the operation…”

“Members also sought clarification regarding the reference in the report to statutory nuisance action. The Planning Officer advised that this would typically relate to matters such as noise nuisance, where Environmental Health powers could be exercised should a statutory nuisance be identified.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The recommendation was proposed and seconded before the Chair put it to the vote.

“The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Woodman and seconded by Councillor Blanchard-Cooper.”

“As no further questions were raised, the Chair then put the recommendation to the vote.”

Minutes

The approved condition

The adult gaming centre and licensed betting office may operate only between 09:00 and midnight on any given day.

“The proposal would have a neutral impact on the protected characteristics. RECOMMENDATION APPROVE CONDITIONALLY 1The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:”

“Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of amenity and the environment in accordance with Arun Local Plan policies D DM1 and QE SP1. 2The use of the Adult Gaming Centre and Licensed Betting Office at No. High Street, Littlehampton, shall only be operated between the hours of 09:00 - 00:00 hours (midnight) on any given day and at no other time.”

Officer report