New 24-hour Leeds city centre gambling outlet proposed
Amusement firm Noble Corp Ltd is seeking planning permission to take over a vacant premises on Vicar Lane.
A new gambling venue could open 24-7 if the conversion of a city centre cafe is agreed with council planners.
Amusement firm Noble Corp Ltd is seeking planning permission to take over a vacant premises on Vicar Lane.
Leeds City Council has been asked to approve a change of use of the former Swissly Cafe near Kirkgate Market and the Corn Exchange.
It would also be close to existing gambling outlets including Betfred, Admiral Casino and William Hill.
A planning report by law firm Woods Whur said the Adult Gaming Centre (ACG) would not add to noise or nuisance behaviour in the area.
It said: “AGCs are not typically associated with crime and anti-social behaviour.
“The applicant is an experienced operator, with other AGC premises including 24/7 venues, and all operate without complaints of noise, anti-social behaviour, crime or other nuisance.”
The report said the applicant was also planning to apply for a premises licence for the ACG, set to create six full-time jobs.
It said: “The operation of all premises licensed by the Gambling Commission is strictly regulated and the applicant has in place all policies and procedures to ensure that the licensing objectives under the Gambling Act 2005 are met.”
Noble Corp already operated licensed premises in Bolton, Durham, South Shields, Wigan and Stockton-on-tees.
The report said: “All of the applicant’s premises operate in a mixed-use/town centre environment in the same way and under the supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced senior management team.
“All of the applicant’s premises are staffed by a team of experienced and trained employees.”
A full planning application is out for consultation until July 22.