Businessman's casino gamble is a non-starter
A CONTROVERSIAL casino approved by council planners will not be built in Lancaster – because town hall bosses did not lodge a bid with the government three years ago.
The plans by property developer Andrew Brakewell for the casino at the 'Legends' building in Morecambe Road sparked an outcry when they were approved by the council's planning committee in October.
Ward councillors, residents and Our Lady's Catholic College cited the possible social impact in objecting to the application.
The casino would have opened from 6pm to 4am seven days a week and created around 30 jobs.
But the committee had been unaware that the council's decision not to apply to host a casino, following a government invitation to all local authorities in 2006, meant one could not be built in the district.
Mr Brakewell, who had lined up a would-be operator, said: "I was quite annoyed because I spent six months waiting for the casino to go through planning when I could have been renting this building out.
"It has probably cost me 40,000 to 50,000. I can't understand why the council's licensing department didn't ring me and say 'do not bother putting in the planning application because you've got no chance of doing it'."
Council leader and Skerton East councillor, Abbott Bryning, who had opposed the application, said: "I'm pleased because I do not think there is a place for a casino in Lancaster – a large city or a seaside resort would be more appropriate."
Brendan Conboy, headteacher at Our Lady's Catholic College, said: "I'm relieved and I'm sure our parents will share that relief because we have always felt that directly opposite a high school was not the place for a casino."
Mr Brakewell said he had now rented out half of the three-storey building and was earning more than he would have done with a casino.
Tenants include an accountancy firm, a communications company and an employment agency.
A council spokesman said the planning committee was independent of the licensing department.
"Having become aware of his plans, as a result of the publicity, licensing officers proactively sought to clarify the position with Mr Brakewell's representatives," he said.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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