One of the mainstays of local news in recent years has been the ongoing saga of Michel Harper’s plans for a casino in Bridge Street. His newest incarnation may be spun as a ‘five star hotel’ – yet the plans show that gambling would still take place on five of the eight floors.
Yet whatever happens with this latest planning appeal, the casino is dead in the water. In December, Conservative-run Guildford Borough, with cross-party support, became one of the first councils in the country to adopt a ‘no casino’ policy under the new Gambling Act – a move which I originally called for the Council to consider back in April 2005.
As a result, no casino licences will ever be granted – be it to Bridge Street, to the Carlton/Mandolay Hotel or to anyone else. Unlike the planning or drinks licensing process, this veto cannot be overturned by unelected inspectors or magistrates. Due process was followed in adopting the policy, and I am confident that any speculative judicial review would fail.
The mainstream of public opinion wants to preserve the character of Guildford as the market town of Surrey, rather than debasing itself as the ‘regional entertainment hub’ of the South East. If Mr Harper, his Trinity Party or any resident disagrees, the Borough is up for election in May. I, for one, will be happy to be held to account for the collective decision to keep Guildford casino-free.
Cllr Sheridan Westlake
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