Palace Amusements has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in an attempt to overturn Enfield Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a new AGC in Palmers Green.

The company had first announced the proposals in 2023, however councillors cited the “cluster” of four nearby betting shops as its reason for not passing the plans last July, following local opposition.

“[AGCs] contribute to the vitality and viability of other nearby commercial premises by a significant increase in footfall,” state the latest appeal documents. “The submitted evidence demonstrates that the proposed development will not result in clustering, intensification and overconcentration of betting uses in the immediate area.”

“Furthermore, the economic benefits of the proposed development should be taken into consideration. Along with creating job opportunities, the proposed development would bring a vacant unit in the Palmers Green district centre back into use. This is particularly relevant given that Palmers Green has recently seen an increase in the number of vacant units.”

Reporting on the dispute, the Enfield Dispatch wrote that a petition against the plan was signed by “more than 1,000 signatures,” while the Palmers Green Action Team claimed that “such gambling venues could lead to crime and disorder and put children at risk”. It is not believed that any evidence to support this argument was produced. 

A hearing for the appeal is currently scheduled to take place on 25 February.