Council wants urgent action on high street reforms

Locally, the Council is concerned about the growing concentration of gambling venues in some of our town centres, particularly those that are more economically deprived. The current system limits and restricts our ability to act on this.

Earlier this year, the Council refused permission for an adult gaming centre in Catford, but that decision was overturned on appeal by the national Planning Inspectorate. The venue is now set to become Catford’s fifth betting shop within a 400-metre radius, which has caused significant concern amongst the community, in an area already facing challenges.   

Proposals to remove the Gambling Act’s outdated "Aim to Permit" rule are a positive step, that could make it easier for councils to respond to the needs, priorities and concerns of local residents. The Council welcomes plans for Adult Gaming Centres to continue requiring planning permission and much greater powers should be given to local authorities to resist in areas of overconcentration. The Council will be reviewing its gambling and licencing policies to ensure that all our decisions are evidence based and shaped by the local community.

The government has declared that local growth requires a fundamental rewiring of the way our country works. The proposals today are an early test of follow-through on that vision. However, the detail matters.  

The Council will consider the in-depth proposals when published. The effectiveness of the reforms will depend on whether they provide local authorities with clear and workable powers to respond to local circumstances. The Council remains focused on our work to create better town centres across Lewisham, invest in a responsible local economy and reduce harm within our communities. 

Cllr Daniel Dream, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery said:

"As the local authority, we understand our communities, hear directly from residents and have a long-term vision for our town centres and high streets. Decisions about the future of our neighbourhoods should be shaped by local knowledge and local priorities, not imposed from afar.

This goes to the heart of local democracy. Communities expect their elected representatives to have a real say in shaping their high streets, and councils need the powers to make that happen."

Cllr Shireen Asaw, Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills said:

"It’s vital that we protect our communities from gambling and vaping-related harm. We want high streets filled with businesses that create jobs, bring people in and serve local people. Too often, valuable sites are being taken over by betting and vaping shops that add little to the wider community.

We will continue delivering on our commitment to improve our high streets, back local businesses and create more opportunities for local people – so Lewisham becomes a place we are all proud to live, work and visit."