39. Memorandum from Blackburn
with Darwen Borough Council (GMB 17)
RESORT CASINOS
I refer to the above and to the proposed new
gaming legislation. I write with regard to possible changes to
the proposed legislation and in particular, to express my support
for the proposal for a specific use class order for Resort Casinos
to be used in the planning regime.
The worst outcome of new gaming legislation
would be the proliferation of small outlets and consideration
should be given to a strong definition for large casinos and rigorous
controls on small casinos in terms of the numbers of gaming machines
they are able to operate.
Also, the proposed method of control on the
development of large casinos is through the planning regime. However,
this is not accompanied by a proposed new class order that would
allow regional bodies to exercise some control on new development.
Without a specific use class for casinos it is possible to see
them being developed under a more general heading of leisure or
mixed use and in effect circumventing the intended planning controls.
I understand that the cross parliamentary committee
is likely to be recalled to look at some specifying details for
the legislation and I should be grateful if these issues could
be taken into consideration at that time.
June 2004
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