Betting Shops - Change to Planning Classification

Shortly before Parliament went into Recess for the general election a number of legislative changes were passed. 

Included amongst the measures was the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Order 2015 which took effect on the 15^th April 2015.

Amongst the changes in this Order was the reclassification of  Betting Shops. Previously Betting Shops were included within class A2 (financial and professional services) they are now in a stand alone class.  In certain circumstances property occupiers can change from one use to another within the same classification without the need for planning permission.  Prospective Betting Shop Operators will no longer be able to take advantage of this flexibility, unless the premises is currently trading as a Betting Shop or held a Betting Shop Premises Licence pre 15^th April 2015.If that is not the case a specific planning application will be required.

The Government was clear that this is intended to provide Local Authorities with an opportunity to consider and, if appropriate refuse, any application for a new Betting Shop.

Concerns have been raised in industry media about the abrupt introduction of these changes and the lack of apparent consultation regarding the transitional arrangements.