Silvertime Amusements, a gambling chain operating across London, has been granted a 24/7 licence for a new venue directly opposite Earl’s Court Tube station, despite fierce opposition from the local community and a previous planning refusal.
The licence was approved by Kensington and Chelsea Council following a meeting last month. However, the company still faces a hurdle: its planning application for the site was rejected in April, and Silvertime must now appeal that decision to proceed with its plans.
The new venue, located at a former Lloyds bank at 177-179 Earl’s Court Road, would replace the company’s existing operation at 169 Earl’s Court Road, which has been running for a decade. The move would allow Silvertime to expand from 26 gambling machines to around 40, offering what its legal counsel described as “better and more comfortable facilities.”
Community opposition and objections
The licensing application drew 346 formal objections from residents and local stakeholders, reflecting widespread concern about the impact of a 24-hour gambling establishment in a residential area. Human rights advocate Bianca Jagger publicly opposed the application, emphasising the need to protect children in the area from harm.
All three Earl’s Court ward councillors have also voiced opposition to the plans. Councillor Linda Wade, who represents the ward, criticised the decision, stating: “The impact of this application cannot be overstated. It is detrimental to the local area, it does not recognise the level of street livers who are vulnerable and the need to beg, it has targeted an area of deprivation in a borough with the highest level of inequalities and in a ward with a high level of need either in the special supported hostels and complex needs in General Housing.”
Wade also noted a procedural shortcoming: “This was a missed opportunity by the borough. They did not engage with Public Health as an interested body, but have now said that they would consult them going forward.”
Conditions attached to the licence
Under the terms of the licence, Silvertime will be required to have an SIA-trained door supervisor on duty at all times the premises is open for gambling. Additionally, the company must close its existing Earl’s Court Road venue before gambling activities commence at the new site.
Legal Counsel Andrew Woods, who represented Silvertime at the licensing hearing, argued that his client has operated responsibly at its current location for 10 years with no issues. He said the relocation would provide better facilities and additional machines, catering to existing customers in a more suitable setting.
Next steps and potential impact
Silvertime’s planning appeal is still pending. If successful, the new arcade will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, directly opposite a major transport hub. The decision has raised concerns about the potential social impact on vulnerable individuals in the area, including those living in supported hostels and those experiencing homelessness.
The council has stated that it will consult Public Health in future licensing decisions, acknowledging the criticism from Councillor Wade. Meanwhile, local residents and campaigners are watching closely as the planning appeal unfolds.
