Betting shop to replace former vet clinic in Northampton
Council greenlights plans for new shop in St James Road
Last updated 23rd Mar 2026
Northampton's West Northamptonshire Council has approved plans to convert a long-vacant veterinary unit into a betting shop in St James Road. The change of use application by Goodyear Holdings Limited will see the space on St James's Road become home to a BGbet outlet.
The site, which has been empty for over two years since the departure of Vets4Pets, will receive new signage and interior redesign to fit the needs of its new function. Parking will be available at the adjacent car park near the Farm Foods supermarket.
Concerns during public consultation regarding the presence of too many betting shops were countered by planning officers, who found the claims unsubstantiated. With two betting shops amid 63 units in the local center, the council felt it offered sufficient consumer choice without oversaturation.
Paul Goodyear, a representative of Goodyear Holdings, stressed community support as part of the business's operations. He stated, "As a company, we pride ourselves on being a hands-on, family-run business, employing 35 staff and supporting as many local clubs and organisations as possible.”
Despite disagreements among councillors, the council moved forward with the approval. Cllr Alexander McMurtry voiced the positive aspect, saying it ''breathes life back into a building that had been empty too long.''
Opening hours for the BGbet shop are set from 9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 7pm on Sunday.