Bradford Council Rejects Betting Shop Proposal Over Health Concerns

A proposal for a new betting establishment in Bradford has been denied, with health considerations cited as the reason. The council rejected a planning application that sought to transform a currently unoccupied bar on Broadway into a Jenningsbet branch. On the city centre street where the proposed shop would have been situated, four out of six units are presently occupied by betting shops. The authority’s planning officers stated that the business would “impede on people’s abilities to make healthy and informed decisions.” They also referenced worries from public health officials, suggesting that an increased number of similar establishments in the vicinity could negatively impact individuals vulnerable to gambling addictions. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that officers additionally expressed apprehension that another betting shop would further diminish the character of what is intended to be a primary shopping street, effectively transforming it into a gambling district within Bradford city centre. Jenningsbet, in its application, asserted that the chosen location, previously the Bronx Bar site, had been “specifically identified to meet a need for its prospective customers in this location.” The company further stated that the application aligned with its “overall strategy to expand its operations into the north of England.” Jenningsbet contended that the new business would offer “an opportunity to avoid a prolonged period of vacancy and to provide economic investment in the unit which will create additional vitality and footfall in the area.” The proposed plans indicated that the business would operate for gambling from 07:00 to 22:00. Officers also highlighted that the vacant unit’s position directly opposite a Citizen’s Advice centre posed a risk. In a report submitted to councillors, they stated: “The proposed betting shop, adding to the numerous existing betting/gambling establishments, would be situated close to services used by many people seeking support for children and families as well as those with issues such as addiction, financial problems, and disabilities.“Although children are not legally permitted to gamble, advertising and visibility of gambling companies and products in places where children and young people are present can normalise gambling and make it appear appealing.” While planning officers acknowledged the potential for “some short-term economic benefit as a result of occupying a vacant unit and providing employment,” they also drew attention to data from the Public Health team, which revealed that the adverse effects of gambling cost England’s economy £1.27 billion between 2019 and 2020. The LDRS has reached out to Jenningsbet for a statement.