Despite strong local objections, Brent Council has granted permission to convert a former Lloyd’s bank into an adult gaming centre, highlighting ongoing tensions over gambling proliferation and a push for legislative change to empower councils to better protect communities.
Plans to convert a former Lloyd’s bank in Willesden, North London, into an adult gaming centre have been approved despite significant local opposition, highlighting ongoing tensions in Brent over the proliferation of gambling venues. Earlier this year, Brent Council had given permission to transform the bank premises into a bingo hall—a common step in securing gambling licences—but just two months later, the application was expanded to include adult gaming, which was granted approval in early September.
The decision has sparked outrage among residents and local politicians, who fear the clustering of gambling establishments in the borough is exacerbating social problems linked to addiction. Over 60 objections were raised against the latest application, with concerns focusing on increased antisocial behaviour, the erosion of community safety, and detrimental impacts on the local economy. Critics argue that the replacement of a community asset such as a bank with a gambling venue diminishes the neighbourhood’s vitality and dissuades families and vulnerable groups from engaging in the area.
The MP for Brent East, Dawn Butler, has been vocal in opposing the expansion of gambling premises, noting the borough’s existing challenges with gambling-related harm. Butler recently submitted a parliamentary motion urging legislative changes to the Gambling Act, which currently enshrines an ‘aim to permit’ licensing rule, limiting local authorities’ capacity to refuse new gambling venues even when faced with strong evidence of community harm. She draws attention to the paradox that councils can block fast food outlets near schools to protect young people, yet are powerless to prevent gambling shops opening despite clear public health concerns. Butler emphasises that the issue is a public health crisis; nearly one person a day dies by suicide linked to gambling addiction according to available data.
Brent is home to 102 gambling premises, including betting shops, casinos, and adult gaming centres, many situated close to each other. The council’s own Local Plan caps the proportion of adult gaming centres, pawn brokers, and pay-day loan shops at 3% of town centre shop frontages. The latest approval brings the total concentration in Willesden to 2.54%, just below this threshold, a key reason cited by the planning committee for granting permission. Nevertheless, Cllr Liz Dixon was the sole committee member to oppose the decision, arguing that the conversion harms local character and the conservation area, and that such establishments neither contribute positively to the high street’s vibrancy nor the community’s health.
Council officers noted that the volume of objections received could not sway the decision as applications must comply with existing planning policies. Brent’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Mili Patel, reiterated the local authority’s ambition to overhaul planning laws to better address the spread of gambling premises. Patel highlighted the incongruity between local economic needs and the impact of gambling shops, which generate limited local economic benefit while leaving behind significant social costs. Patel also remarked on the ownership of the former bank premises, pointing out the company is registered in the Channel Islands, which raises questions about its contributions to the local economy.
The council has demonstrated a broader commitment to rejuvenate town centres and create healthier high streets through various action and investment plans. These strategies aim to tackle issues such as street-scene improvement and anti-social behaviour while promoting a diverse and inclusive local economy. However, the ongoing influx of gambling venues complicates these efforts, undermining community wellbeing and the council’s vision of vibrant, family-friendly shopping areas.
The local planning process allows residents to view and comment on applications, and the extensive objections reflect widespread unease about the direction of Willesden’s town centre. The debate encapsulates a broader struggle faced by many urban areas in balancing commercial interests with social responsibility, especially in sectors like gambling that pose significant public health risks. Brent’s campaign to change the national legislative framework governing gambling premises licensing signals a push for greater autonomy to protect communities from harmful developments.
📌 Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a recent planning decision by Brent Council, dated early September 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is February 2025, when the council initially approved the conversion of the former Lloyd’s Bank into a bingo hall. This earlier approval was reported by local news outlets, such as the Kilburn Times. ([kilburntimes.co.uk](https://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/21941383.willesden-residents-say-no-new-betting-shop/?utm_source=openai)) The subsequent expansion of the application to include an adult gaming centre was approved in early September 2025, as reported by the Wembley Matters blog. ([wembleymatters.blogspot.com](https://wembleymatters.blogspot.com/2025/04/applicant-who-was-granted-permission.html?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data on the approval and local opposition, justifying a higher freshness score. However, the inclusion of earlier material may indicate some recycled content. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative has not appeared more than 7 days earlier. The update may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from local residents and politicians opposing the conversion. The earliest known usage of these quotes is from the Kilburn Times article dated April 2025. ([kilburntimes.co.uk](https://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/21941383.willesden-residents-say-no-new-betting-shop/?utm_source=openai)) The wording of the quotes matches the earlier publication, indicating potential reuse of content. No variations in quote wording were found. No online matches were found for other quotes, suggesting they may be original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, mylondon.news, which is known for local news coverage. However, the inclusion of earlier material from other sources, such as the Kilburn Times and Wembley Matters blog, introduces some uncertainty regarding the originality of the content. The presence of a press release adds credibility but also suggests potential recycling of content.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents a plausible account of the planning decision and local opposition, consistent with previous reports from reputable sources. The inclusion of updated data on the approval and local opposition adds credibility. The language and tone are consistent with typical news reporting. No excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim was identified. The tone is appropriately dramatic, reflecting the community’s concerns.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative provides a detailed account of the recent approval to convert a former Lloyd’s Bank in Willesden into an adult gaming centre, amid significant local opposition. While the content is largely consistent with previous reports and includes updated information, the inclusion of earlier material and direct quotes from other sources suggests potential recycling of content. The presence of a press release adds credibility but also indicates possible reuse. Given these factors, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with a medium confidence level.
Supercharge Your Content Strategy
Feel free to test this content on your social media sites to see whether it works for your community.
