VILLIERS BACKS RESIDENTS IN CAMPAIGN AGAINST ADULT GAMING CENTRE

MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, has backed local residents in opposing a second planning application for the site which was previously Mothercare on Barnet High Street. The application has been submitted by the same company that applied to use the premises for a gaming centre, but this time for a coffee bar.

Theresa Villiers MP said, “I backed my constituents in their successful campaign against the planning application to open an adult gaming centre in Barnet High Street – an application which our local council rightly turned down. Now the same company who wanted a gaming centre is asking for planning permission to use the premises as a coffee bar which I am also opposing.

This issue has been raised with me by the Spaces Residents’ Association and other concerned constituents. The point they make is that allowing a change of use to a coffee shop might make it more difficult for the council to turn down a future application for a gaming centre. They are worried that a coffee shop would be a step on the way to the establishing the gaming centre that local people are resisting so strongly.

My constituents are right to be concerned that if the application for a coffee shop is successful, it would only be a matter of time before an attempt was made to turn it into a gaming centre.  A gaming centre, be totally out of place and unwelcome on Barnet High Street and I will continue to oppose any move to establish one there. It would have a negative impact on young people and it would also narrow down the range of shopping opportunities which are so important in attracting customers to the high street to keep it flourishing.”