Tower Hamlets Council have refused plans submitted by Star Commercial Property Ltd to convert a former bank in Shadwell into a new bingo venue.

The proposal for the Commercial Road premises was rejected over its proximity to a school, which reportedly goes against planning policy.

“Council planning officers refused the application as the proposed site was ‘immediately adjacent to a school and within the vicinity of a number of betting shops and places of worship,’” reported Tower Hamlets Slice.

“They said this was at odds with a council planning policy that limits where new gambling venues can open.”

Now, don’t get this wrong, but does that make any sense? Star’s application was declined because it’s near a school and a place of worship – and also within the vicinity of other betting shops. So, aren’t those bookies also near the school and the place of worship?

And, again, don’t get this wrong, but aren’t councils meant to encourage the re-opening  of shuttered shops? This former Lloyds bank branch has remained vacant since last year, with Star submitting proposals to revitalise the unit in September.

Documents submitted by Star noted that council policy described bingo halls as “an appropriate town centre use,” however councillors stated a bingo hall “provides services that meet the definition of gambling.”

Now don’t get this wrong, but did anyone explain to the councillors that they have a duty to “aim to permit’?

Actually no, it seems, in Shadwell. “Officers said the policy also restricted ‘casinos’ from opening near ‘a school or sensitive community, cultural or social facility,’” added the Slice.

“They noted the site is next to Mulberry School for Girls, close to two betting shops, and near a mosque. Planning officers refused the application.”

Now don’t get this wrong but…isn’t this just utter bullshit?