Concerns have been raised over plans to open a gambling venue which could operate 24 hours a day in Bedford’s town centre.
Future Leisure Limited has applied for a premises licence to operate an adult gaming centre at 19 Silver Street, Bedford, the former Clintons card shop.
Ward councillor Lucy Bywater (Green, Castle and Newnham) said on Facebook that she and colleague cllr Paul Edmonds had objected to the proposal.
She posted: “On all levels, we think this would be a really negative addition – socially, in terms of harm, and visually.
“It’s unlikely to be welcomed by hard-working neighbouring businesses.”
The application, submitted under the Gambling Act 2005, states the venue would be located on the ground floor of a three-storey building, with the upper floors currently used as vacant storage space.
The site is described as a corner unit surrounded by retail premises.
The applicant indicated the licence should begin “as soon as it is issued”. A separate planning application may also be required.
The application does not seek to vary the default permitted hours, meaning it could operate on a 24-hour basis under standard conditions.
Cllr Bywater said she had also asked for input from public health officers and warned that licensing powers may be limited.
“We’ve shared our objections with Licensing with reference to the gambling licensing objectives, but their powers over this may be limited,” her post added.
A checklist submitted with the application confirms that a plan of the premises has been provided to the council.
However, while summary details are available on the council’s website, supporting documents such as the premises plan are not published alongside the application listing.
Residents wishing to know more about the application can email licensing@bedford.gov.uk.
Comments on the application must be submitted in writing to the council’s licensing team and should relate to the licensing objectives set out in the Gambling Act 2005, including:
- Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder
- Ensuring gambling is conducted fairly
- Protecting children and vulnerable people from harm
Formal representations are usually limited (under the Gambling Act 2005) to those considered “interested parties”, such as nearby residents or businesses who may be affected by the proposal.
The closing date for commenting is 19 April 2026.
Future Leisure Limited’s agents were approached for comment on the application, but did not respond at the time of publication.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
