1 Walm Lane, Willesden Green
Despite opposition from the Willesden Green Town Team, a local ward councillor and 124 residents Brent Planning Officers are recommending approval of a change of use of the Lloyds Bank building at 1 Walm Lane to a Bingo Hall:
The proposed change of use to a bingo hall accords with the Council's adopted policies as it falls within a main town centre use. Minor external changes are proposed to the shopfront of the site, for which there are no impacts with regards to the character and appearance of the conservation area. Subject to conditions to limit opening hours to protect the neighbouring occupiers, the use will sufficiently protect neighbouring amenity. Furthermore, subject to transport related conditions, the use will provide the required servicing needs and cycle storage facilities for the users of the premises.
The 'limited hours' are 8am-11pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 11pm on Saturday Sunday, Bank Holidays and Public Holidays.
The applicants are warned that installation of adult gaming machines could result in a change of use requiring planning planning permission.
Here are a selection of objections from the Brent Council Planning Portal I could see no submissions supporting the application.
I object because there are
already too many gambling shops. There is one across the road and a new one has
opened opposite the existing Bingo Hall in Cricklewood. There are multiple
deprivation issues already such as increased homelessness and people overtly
taking drugs involving needles during the daytime in Willesden Green. It is
becoming increasingly unsafe to walk around and a gambling shop serves to
increase issues linked to deprivation. Furthermore this is a prime location
next to Marsh and Parsons, near the Butchers and opposite the lovely
independent shops on the parade. It is completely out of keeping.. The area
will suffer suffer economic decline with a gambling hall and attempts to
improve the area will be negatively impacted. This is such an irresponsible
planning application I am staggered it is even being humoured. It is utterly
depressing to witness the lack of consideration for the social and economic
uplift of the area.
As a resident, I have seen
first hand the levels of deprivation on our high street, made worse after the
pandemic. The area has a number of properties that house vulnerable individuals
suffering from addiction, mental health and other issues.
Willesden Green is also densely populated with large numbers of families and
young children who commute along the high street to school, afterschool clubs
and via the bus and underground stations. Not far from the proposed Bingo Hall,
is Willesden Green Library another hub for residents, children and young
adults.
This proposed site for a Bingo Hall is located only a few doors down from
another six gambling and gaming shops.
A Bingo Hall gambling venue is not what Willesden Green high street needs. The
area is crying out for other services and businesses, and this would do nothing
to serve the community, it is not family-friendly, it will not attract
investment or otherwise benefit the area. It would simply take advantage of
already vulnerable people, to put money into the pockets of Star Commerical
Property Ltd.
Please ensure that our high street doesn't turn into a casino filled dive that
attracts more crime, antisocial behaviour and drives people further into
poverty. Please reject this and any future applications by this and other
gambling companies.
HOORAY AT LONG LAST!
WHAT WILLESDEN IS CRYING OUT FOR IS ANOTHER GAMBLING DEN OF MISERY FOR THE GOOD
PEOPLE OF BRENT TO BE EXPLOITED BY.
AFTER ALL WHO NEEDS BANKS WHEN YOU CAN WALK 6 MINUTES FROM ONE LADBROKES TO
ANOTHER AND PASS SIX DIFFERENT BOOKMAKERS, BINGO HALLS AND FIXED ODDS BETTING
SHOPS ALONG THE WAY? THIS BY ANY MEASURE IS A CLUSTER.
THERE ARE SOUND PLANNING REASONS TO REJECT THIS APPLICATION, BASED ON BRENT'S
DUTY TO PROTECT ITS RESIDENTS FROM CLUSTERS LIKE THIS AND FROM OVERSEAS TAX
EVADING HEDGE FUND DODGERS WHO'LL SHUFFLE OUR CASH TO THE SEYCHELLES BEFORE YOU
CAN UTTER THE WORDS "ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME BRENT COUNCIL GOT RID OF THE
EMBARRASSMENT OF A LEADER AND GET SOMEBODY IN WHO IS RESPECTED BY
RESIDENTS"
BRENT AND IT'S COUNCILLORS ARE OVERSEEING THE HOLLOWING OUT OF WILLESDEN SO I
AM FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS PLAN AS ANOTHER MEANS TO HIGHLIGHT THEIR ONGOING
INEPTITUDE AND AMBIVALENCE TOWARDS RESIDENTS (AND VOTERS).
As one of the local ward Councillors, I am
writing to object to this application. I do so on the following grounds:
1) High density of existing gambling establishments
The site is in close proximity to existing adult gaming centres and gambling
establishments (Royal Casino Slots at 9 Walm Lane, and Merkur slots at 51 High
Road). Both of these establishments are within less than a minute's walk from
the site.
In addition, Labbrokes and Paddy Power betting shops are within a similar
walking distance.
Policy BE5 calls for "no more than 1 unit or 10% of the neighbourhood
parade frontage, whichever is the greater, consisting of betting shops, adult
gaming centres or pawnbrokers/payday loan shops;". The committee should
consider whether this has been met before considering approval.
2) Risk of crime and antisocial behaviour
Walm Lane and Willesden High Road currently show as one of the areas in Brent
with the highest incidence of street crime and antisocial behaviour, and recent
statistic collected by the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team indicate that this
is escalating faster than elsewhere in the borough. In the recent past,
particular issues such as street drinking have been clearly identified with
local gambling establishments. In addition, the obscured windows of domination
by bright signage which is typical to adult gaming centres would create an
unwelcoming building on the street scene, lacking in transparency and creating
a general feeling of economic deprivation which lends itself to further crime
and ASB.
3) Signage and lights
I believe that bright signage and lights on the shop front would be disruptive
to residents in the accommodation opposite.
We are writing to vehemently
object to the proposed development of a "Bingo Hall" at 1 Walm Lane.
First, according to the Statement of Principles for Gambling 2025-2028 posted
on Brent's website, Brent Council claims that its vision and priorities are,
"Prosperity and Stability in Brent...Thriving Communities...[and] A
Healthier Brent." The Council also claims it is committed to "working
hard to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour."
The addition of yet another gambling centre on Walm Lane actively works against
every single one of these published goals and commitments.
Beyond the fact that the addition of a bingo hall on this site violates Brent's
visions and priorities - its promises to the community - we further object for
the following reasons:
No Need for More Gambling: Prioritize Community Growth Instead: There are
already at least four gambling establishments on Walm Lane. Adding yet another
does not add to the prosperity of the community; there are already more than
needed. This space could be used to bring in a business that would add to the
economic and social growth of the community, as opposed to detracting from it.
By allowing another gambling hall to open, Walm Lane risks losing its potential
for sustainable, long-term growth, as the area becomes less attractive to the
kinds of businesses and residents that contribute to a "prosperous,
stable" community.
Negative Impact of Gambling on Local Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour:
Current research clearly shows that neighbourhoods with a higher concentration
of betting shops and bingo halls tend to experience higher crime rates. Over
the past two years, our neighbourhood has already seen a rise in anti-social
behaviour, to the point where it feels unsafe to walk to and from the tube
station outside daylight hours. If Brent Council is genuinely committed to
reducing crime and promoting community safety, it should prevent the addition
of another gaming establishment and instead encourage businesses that would
have a positive impact on the area.
Preservation of Neighbourhood Character:
Adding another gambling site diminishes the community's character and
neighbourhood feel, making it less inviting and safe.
Consideration of Local Population (including children):
Willesden Green is home to a growing number of families with children, and
there is a school around the corner from the proposed bingo hall, as well as a
community library just a block away. The Gambling Licensing Policy Consultation
2025-2028 states that gaming establishments should avoid areas where children
are present, like schools, and highlights the need to protect vulnerable
populations from harm. Adding another gambling centre to Walm Lane would
undermine these goals. If Brent Council truly wants its communities to thrive,
it would support using this space in ways that benefit families and align with
the area's changing demographics. There are far more positive and productive
uses for this location.
In addition, gambling establishments are linked to rising public health
concerns, including gambling addiction, which can strain local support services
and create long-term challenges for the community. These risks extend to
vulnerable populations, including families, youth, and those facing financial
hardship."
Impact on Local Economy and Businesses:
The addition of this gambling hall would have a negative ripple effect on local
businesses and restaurants. Unlike businesses that encourage community
engagement and attract a wide range of customers, gambling halls tend to draw a
limited, repeat clientele who do not spend their money in other local
businesses. Also, areas with multiple gambling establishments often see an
uptick in vacant storefronts, as increased crime rates and anti-social
behaviour stop new business owners from investing in the area. Over time, this
shift makes the area feel less family-friendly and appealing, impacting
property values and the overall economic health of the neighbourhood. Brent
would be better served occupying the space with a store or service the
community wants and needs.
Objecting to this proposal is in alignment with the abovementioned goals of
Brent Council, and we hope the Council seriously considers this objection.
Subject: Objection to the Proposed Conversion of
Lloyds Bank, 1 Walm Lane, NW2, to a Bingo Hall
I am writing to formally object to the proposed plan submitted by Star
Commercial Property Limited to convert the former Lloyds Bank building at 1
Walm Lane, NW2, into a bingo hall. This proposal raises significant concerns
for the community and does not align with the area's essential needs and
character. Below are key reasons for my objection:
1. Loss of Essential Banking Services
With the recent closures of Lloyds and NatWest branches in Willesden Green and
the impending closure of Barclays, the local community will be left entirely
without a banking institution. For many residents-particularly seniors, those
with limited internet access, and small business owners-access to in-person
banking services is vital. The conversion of the last remaining bank building
into a bingo hall does not serve these residents' needs, who will now have to
travel farther for essential financial services, potentially leading to
financial exclusion.
2. Mismatch with Community Needs and Character
Willesden Green is a vibrant area that would greatly benefit from developments
that meet practical and daily needs, such as community spaces, affordable
retail, or wellness services. A bingo hall does not serve the local demographic
as effectively as a mixed-use community facility or a more versatile commercial
space. Given its central location, this building has the potential to offer
services that foster community engagement and improve the quality of life for
local residents, aligning with the area's long-standing character.
3. Potential for Increased Noise and Traffic Disruption
A bingo hall is likely to generate increased noise and foot traffic, especially
during evening hours. This could disrupt the residential nature of nearby areas
and lead to parking and congestion issues. By contrast, a community center or
similar facility would likely result in less disturbance and would better
support the area's long-term social fabric and residential appeal.
4. Limited Economic and Social Value to the Community
The proposed bingo hall may not offer substantial economic or social benefits
compared to alternative uses. Many residents would likely prefer a development
that offers better employment opportunities, educational or training services,
or local business spaces, which could add greater long-term value to Willesden
Green. Additionally, the presence of a bingo hall may not attract diverse foot
traffic, which local businesses need to thrive.
5. Negative Impact on Nearby Businesses
The conversion could impact the character and perception of the area,
potentially deterring higher-quality investments that would better align with
Willesden Green's evolving needs. Establishing a bingo hall as a focal business
risks changing the area's reputation, which may dissuade other valuable
businesses from opening or remaining nearby, resulting in an overall decline in
the area's economic appeal.
6. Alternative Community-Driven Uses
Given the bank's historical and architectural value, repurposing the building
to serve as a community or multi-functional space (e.g., a community hub or
co-working space) could honor its heritage while better serving the community's
needs. A space dedicated to various local activities could provide a vital
resource for residents of all ages and could be a meaningful way to sustain the
building's legacy and utility.
In summary, the proposal to convert this essential bank building into a bingo
hall does not align with the long-term needs and values of Willesden Green
residents. I strongly urge the Brent Planning Authority to consider alternative
proposals that would provide essential services, maintain the area's character,
and support the community's overall well-being.
