Brent Council planning officers have suggested approving a conversion of the old Lloyds Bank in Willesden into a bingo hall, despite rising concerns about gambling facilities in the borough. Council leader Cllr Muhammed Butt has previously advocated for tighter regulations on such venues. He believes that national guidelines should classify bingo halls similarly to bookmakers to control the licensing process better. Although councils are bound by the Gambling Act 2005 to permit licenses unless specific objectives are unmet, community welfare remains a principal concern amid growing gambling venues.
Cllr Muhammed Butt emphasized the need for stricter regulations, arguing for bingo halls and similar venues to fall under the same planning category as bookmakers.
Planning officers indicated that the proposed bingo hall aligns with the borough's adopted policies, despite community concerns regarding the proliferation of gambling establishments.
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