Putney’s MP and former prison chaplain at HMP Wandsworth are among those who have raised concerns about the plans
Plans to open another 24-hour gambling shop in a South London town centre have sparked concerns for the protection of vulnerable people.
Objectors said the plans would result in a “cluster” of gambling venues on Putney High Street, which already has one adult gaming centre a short distance away, and two betting shops.
A total of 58 objections were made against an application by Luxury Leisure, trading as Admiral, for permission to open the 24-hour adult gaming centre on the high street. A separate application for planning permission was opposed by 624 people but approved in December 2024.
Putney MP Fleur Anderson told Wandsworth Council’s licensing hearing on Thursday night (July 9) the site was the “wrong location” for a gambling shop as it was opposite Putney Station and near schools.
The Labour MP said opening the shop would lead to an “inappropriate clustering” of gambling venues in the area. She raised concerns for the impact on vulnerable people – including those facing mental difficulties, addiction, financial stress and bereavement – who would pass the venue every day.
Ms Anderson said: “The concern is that when that difficult day comes – the bereavement, the financial pressure, the mental health crisis – that the constant accessibility and visibility is right there waiting. That’s why location matters.
“A gambling venue opposite a major station, Putney Station, is not simply serving customers who seek it out, it’s repeatedly placed in front of vulnerable people, whether they seek it out or not.”
Ms Anderson said increasing opportunities to gamble in the area could also result in more nuisance and disorder in the area.
Liz Bridges, former chaplain of HMP Wandsworth, said she was concerned about the number of vulnerable people who would frequent the venue.
Ms Bridges said: “I know how many men in Wandsworth Prison are vulnerable and who end up standing on the front of the railway station or at the bus stops with nowhere to go.”
Anna Wojcik, a local mum-of-two, added: “There must come a point where adding another gambling premises in such close proximity is no longer consistent with the licensing objective of protecting children and vulnerable people from harm.”
Barrister Gary Grant, representing Luxury Leisure, said children would not be allowed to enter the venue and it would take all possible safeguards to protect vulnerable people, including intervening when needed.
He said Admiral was a highly-experienced operator of adult gaming centres and none of the roughly 300 shops it ran in the UK had been subject to a licence review for failing to uphold its duties.
Mr Grant said most of the objections were based on speculative concerns and the venue would be run appropriately.
He said: “We know what we’re doing. We know how to operate these venues without in any way undermining the licensing objectives.”
The solicitor added the plans would “put a high street premises that is boarded up and has been vacant since 2022 back into commercial use”.
Wandsworth Council’s decision on the application will be published in the coming days.
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