Adult gaming centre at 867 Finchley Road, London NW11

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the existing betting office (Sui Generis) to an Adult Gaming Centre (Sui Generis). Associated shopfront alterations and advertisement proposals have been approved under the accompanying applications 26/2741/FUL and 26/2742/ADV.”

“The premises form part of Crescent Parade, a locally listed terrace of commercial properties within Golders Green District Town Centre and the Golders Green Town Centre Conservation Area.”

“The site occupies a prominent corner position and is surrounded by a mix of retail, commercial, service and food and drink uses. Residential accommodation is located in the locality, including properties above and adjacent to nearby commercial premises and residential properties to the rear and opposite the site.”

“Application Reference: 24/4462/FUL Appeal Reference: APP/N5090/W/25/3359989 Address: 4-6 Cricklewood Lane, Cricklewood, London, NW2 1EX Decision: Appeal Allowed Decision Date: 7 August 2025 Description: Change of use from a Betting Shop (Sui Generis) to an Adult Gaming Centre (Sui Generis).”

“Application Reference: 23/0750/FUL Appeal Reference: APP/N5090/W/24/3342724 Address: 686 High Road, North Finchley, Barnet, London, N12 9PT Decision: Appeal Allowed Decision Date: 31 October 2024 Description: Change of use of the ground floor premises from bar/pub drinking establishment use to a Sui Generis Adult Gaming Centre and minor alterations to the frontage.”

“Public Health's concerns regarding gambling related harm, health inequalities and the existing concentration of gambling premises are acknowledged. However, the lawful use of the premises is already as a betting office. The proposal would replace one gambling related Sui Generis use with another and would not increase the overall number of premises falling within the uses controlled by Policy TOW03.”

“Subject to customer opening hours of 07:00 to 00:00 daily, implementation of the approved noise mitigation, controls over doors and windows, restriction of the Rodborough Road door to emergency use, control of plant noise and appropriate servicing and waste arrangements, the proposal would safeguard neighbouring living conditions.”

“Environmental Health initially objected to the proposal due to concerns regarding a 24 hour operation in a location surrounded by residential properties. Concerns related primarily to noise and disturbance arising from customers arriving, departing and congregating outside the premises during the early hours of the morning, particularly between midnight and 7am.”

“Public Health objects to the proposal on the basis of concerns relating to gambling related harm, health inequalities and the concentration of gambling uses within the local area. Public Health considers that the proposal would contribute to an over concentration of gambling premises within Golders Green Town Centre and raises concerns regarding the impact on vulnerable groups, mental wellbeing, financial hardship and the potential normalisation of gambling.”

“- Overconcentration of gambling establishments in Golders Green, leading to a harmful cumulative impact on town centre vitality, diversity, and character. - Negative effects on residential amenity, including noise, disturbance, and anti social behaviour, especially due to 24 hour operation and proximity to residential accommodation. - Increased risk of crime, disorder, and public nuisance, with concerns about drug use, street drinking, and late night disruption.”

“Neutral/Observations - Some comments note the previous use of the site as a betting shop and the applicant's arguments regarding substitution of gambling uses. - Observations about the need for active frontages and positive visual contributions to the streetscene.”

“The Committee then had the opportunity to ask questions of the officers.”

“Further to discussions, Councillor Ryde proposed a motion to refuse the application on the basis that it would be used as an adult gaming centre and expressed his concerns in relation to the public health impact on the surrounding area. Councillor Khalick seconded the motion.”