The conversion of a former takeaway on Exeter’s Sidwell Street into a gambling venue has been recommended for approval by a council planning officer, who has said the street is “known for crime and anti-social behaviour”. They said the change “will contribute positively to the character of the area”.
Merkur Slots has already been granted a new premises licence for the site, which will allow them to open 24 hours. The gambling company also submitted a planning application in July 2024, seeking permission to change the use from a takeaway to a 24/7 Adult Gaming Centre (AGC).
As a decision has not been made within the statutory time frame, Merkur has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, who will now be responsible for issuing a decision instead of Exeter City Council. However, the local authority’s planning committee will still discuss whether they would have approved the application at a meeting, which is due to take place next Monday (January 13).
Ahead of the meeting, the planning officer has published a report on the application and has recommended that it should be approved, despite backlash from locals and councillors. Concerns have been raised about noise, street crime and gambling addiction.
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A Devon and Cornwall Police Designing Out Crime Officer also said that, while they did not object to the proposed change of use, they were concerned about the 24-hour opening times “in a relatively high crime area”. In a bid to address these concerns, the planning officer has suggested that the hours be reduced to 9am to 2am.
“The development is in an area known for crime and anti-social behaviour. To limit any potential to increased impacts, a condition is proposed to reduce the hours of use and to ensure an active shopfront,” they wrote.
The report goes on to say that additional measures such as noise insulation improvements, CCTV and an “enhanced shopfront design” address issues of noise and safety “comprehensively”. In response to objections relating to gambling addiction, the report says that this is regulated under licensing legislation, rather than planning considerations.
It says: “While these are valid societal concerns, it is important to note that such matters are regulated under licensing legislation and are not material planning considerations. The planning system is unable to duplicate or enforce controls that are better addressed under separate regulatory frameworks, such as the Gambling Act 2005 and the associated responsibilities of the Gambling Commission.”
Merkur claims there is “a widespread misunderstanding” of how its venues operate. In a brochure included as part of its application, the company says it does not offer Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, does not serve alcohol and “do not generate noise and anti-social behaviour”. It has also said it will display a sign outside the proposed Sidwell Street venue, stating that drinking alcohol outside the premises is forbidden and anyone who does so will not be allowed to enter.
In justifying their reccommendation to approve the application, the council planning officer says bringing the site, which was previously a Firezza pizza restaurant, back into use will “enhance” the city centre.
They say: “The reuse of this vacant unit represents an opportunity to enhance the vitality and viability of Exeter ’s city centre, particularly within the secondary shopping frontage of Sidwell Street.
“The introduction of a new leisure use aligns with the strategic objectives of supporting economic growth, reducing vacancy rates, and contributing to the night time economy. The creation of 12 full-time jobs further demonstrates the proposal’s potential to deliver significant economic benefits.”
They add: “The proposal also presents an opportunity to enhance the visual amenity of Sidwell Street by replacing an inactive shopfront with a vibrant and engaging frontage. This change will contribute positively to the character of the area, improving its appeal to both pedestrians and visitors.”