Plans for new betting shop in Yate

An application has been made to South Gloucestershire Council for a new BoyleSports betting shop at the town's shopping centre.

The site - which the applicant argues will bring considerable economic benefits to the town -  is located at the former Specsavers unit, with the opticians having moved in June 2022 to another unit at the shopping centre. 

The applicant argues that the betting shop would offer more employment to the area and bring considerable economic benefits to the town. 

It would increase footfall at the shopping centre and bring an empty unit back into use. 

A planning document - on behalf of the applicant - read: "Betting offices have been shown to support the vitality and viability of centres in numerous appeal decisions as they generate footfall and encourage people to spend longer in the centre, therefore supporting the shopping function of centres. 

"This proposal, through direct investment from BoyleSports (UK) Limited, would contribute to the economic growth of Yate Town Centre. On average, £300,000 is invested by BoyleSports on the fitting out of each new unit and BoyleSports pays an average of £9,500 of business rates per unit, per annum, to the Council.

"The proposal would create three full time and three part time jobs (including a part time cleaner).

"In addition, each new BoyleSports unit creates 26 temporary construction jobs over the 6-8 week construction period.

"It also creates ongoing, indirect employment, through the supply chain for consumables, waste management and utilities.

"The development will allow for the effective re-use of a previously developed site. 

"5he scale, design, and illumination of the proposed advertisement and shopfront are appropriate and are consistent with the existing character of Yate Town Centre and Shopping Centre (and the existing unit)."

BoyleSports is an Irish betting company which has over 300 units across the United Kingdom and Ireland. 

See the plans at - tinyurl.com/8je3dhkx