A planning committee at Westminster Council has rejected plans for a gambling arcade on the site of a former Boots store on London’s Oxford Street.
The council’s planning applications sub-committee went against its officers’ recommendation in refusing the scheme, which would have seen part of Century House, at 100-102 Oxford Street, W1, converted into a 3,282 sq ft so-called adult gaming centre, operated by Admiral.
The committee rejected the scheme over concerns about anti-social behaviour and harm to the street’s reputation as a retail district.
The Metropolitan Police’s designing out crime officer had objected to the nature of the proposed use, the council’s report said, noting that “the presence of an [adult gaming centre] on Oxford Street would offer the opportunity to launder drug money as the games machines have over a 90% win rate”.
Councillor Jessica Toale also expressed concern about the centre. She said: “Westminster’s gambling local area profile identifies this area of the West End ward as a particularly vulnerable area for all types of gambling, including ‘away from home’ gambling.
“Adult gaming centres, due to the very nature of play being solitary with immediate pay-outs, can cause excessive play. There is a heightened risk that young people will be attracted to this premise.”
View more Westminster planning information here >>
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