An empty store in Barnes could be turned into a betting shop after permission was granted for a change of use.

Plans to change the shop’s use, so it could be taken over by betting giant Ladbrokes, were met with hostility from Barnes people, who signed a petition against it.

However, permission for the shop in The Broadway to change use to allow betting was granted at a planning meeting at York House on Thursday, August 15.

Chairman of the Barnes Community Association steering group Steven Mindel said residents thought the betting shop was “totally unwarranted and completely unnecessary”.

He said: “There is no need for a betting shop and there would more benefit to residents and existing businesses if 8 The Broadway retained its A1 status.

“Betting shops are emotive, we acknowledge this, and this application is particularly so given its proposed location in the vicinity of social and assisted housing, schools and a youth club.

“This will mean that those who are likely to fall prey to the betting shop would all be drawn to it.”

The planning permission granted would not mean the dwelling would lose its A1 status, but now has A1 and A2 status, which allows betting to take place.