Tynemouth MP has say on ‘terrible decision’ for controversial 24-hour slot casino

Tynemouth MP Sir Alan Campbell has called on North Tyneside Council to look into an appeal to prevent the opening of a controversial 24-hour slots casino. This comes following the Planning Inspectorate’s recent decision to overturn a previous council refusal for an Admiral Casino venue at the Collingwood Centre in Preston Grange in March.

Following a successful appeal to the planning inspectorate, Luxury Leisure may now use units in the Collingwood Centre to house a venue for gambling. The appeal was sparked by the council’s initial refusal to approve the project amid public and political outcry, and local authority officers’ concerns around public health.

The planning inspector, P Storey, wrote: “Whilst the depth of local feeling and the scale of local opposition to the proposal is noted, there is no substantive evidence that the proposal would conflict with any of the development plan’s objectives or undermine the character or function of the centre.

“For these reasons, I conclude that the proposed development would not result in an overconcentration of gambling uses that would harm the character or function of the local centre.”

The original application generated 130 public objections online. Sir Alan Campbell MP also wrote to the council’s planning committee calling for the proposals to be rejected.

In response to the developments, Sir Alan Campbell MP said: “The local authority’s decision to refuse the application was the right thing to do. The Planning Inspectorate’s decision to overturn that decision is terrible. Decisions like this are invariably better taken by people most affected and this case confirms that we are right to be overhauling planning laws.