By BRIAN TILLEY

Last updated at 11:10, Friday, 23 July 2010

OPPONENTS of plans to convert a former off- licence in Hexham Market Place into a betting shop have backed a loser.

For Northumberland County Council’s west area planning committee on Wednesday gave the controversial bid for a Betfred office the green light.

Approval of the change of use of the empty Wine Rack premises came despite a thousand-name petition and 33 other objections, expressing grave concerns about the suitability of the scheme for the heart of Hexham.

Among the objectors were Hexham Town Council, Hexham Civic Society and Hexham Community Partnership.

They were unanimous that the betting shop was “totally inappropriate” for this sensitive location, and would bring harm to Hexham.

Civic society secretary Tim Tatman told the meeting that the petition represented around 10 per cent of the population of Hexham, and could not be lightly disregarded.

However, Allendale’s Coun. Colin Horncastle astonished the public gallery by saying the planning committee was not there to do what the public wanted, but to ensure that planning policies were adhered to.

It was pointed out the betting shop was adjacent to the Forum Cinema, and would exacerbate problems with smokers and resultant litter from Wetherspoon’s pub.

It would also create a “dead” frontage, would stick out like a sore thumb amongst the retail shops in the area and would be harmful to tourism.

In response, planning consultant for Betfred, Jeremy Williams, said the change of use would provide an appropriate and beneficial use in the town centre, enhancing its vitality and viability.

It would provide new employment opportunities, and he added: “Betting shops generate their own footfall and therefore activity throughout the day and often into the early evening, contributing to both the day and evening economy.”

The legislation requiring blanked out windows in betting shops was changed in 1986.

In her report to the committee, planning officer Susanna Buylla said the proposal complied with council policies.

Slightly over 85 per cent of units in Hexham’s shopping area would remain in retail use, complying with policy.

She said: “ There is no convincing evidence that a betting shop would harm the vitality of the area.”

The council’s senior conservation officer said the proposal would not harm the conservation area.

Coun. Derek Kennedy, of Hexham, said the application was “just wrong” while fellow Hexham member Coun Mrs Ingrid Whale said the committee had to be extremely careful about disregarding the views of 10 per cent of the population.

However, Coun. Horncastle reminded members there were no planning reasons to refuse the application on a site which did not have an attractive history.

He said: “ I am aware the police have been called several times to these premises when it was an off licence; I am not aware of the police being called to any betting shops.”

Coun. Edward Heslop, of Colwell, reminded members the change of use was only the first step of the procedure. Betfred would still have to submit acceptable plans for a suitable shop front.

The change of use was agreed on a 7-2 vote.

First published at 09:42, Friday, 23 July 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk