Published 11 September 2024
Updated planning guidance strengthening the rules on the number of pay day lenders and betting shops opening in town and local centres in West Dunbartonshire is set to come into force.
Members of the Council’s Planning Committee agreed at a meeting this week to the guidance changes after receiving feedback from members of the public during a consultation event earlier this year. The majority agreed that a cap on the number of pay day lending and betting shops was appropriate.
The updated guidance sets limits on the number of pay day lending and betting shops allowed in town centres and local centres where there are clusters of retail premises. This will allow for applications for these types of premises over the cap to be rejected on the basis that they will undermine the character and amenity of the area or the health and wellbeing of communities.
The guidance is based on views from members of the public collected in 2015 and additional information gathered in 2023 with the majority of people agreeing that pay day lending shops and bookmakers do not add to the vibrancy of town centres and have a negative impact on health and wellbeing. They also agreed there should be a limit on the number of such premises being permitted in particular areas.
Chief Officer of Regulatory and Regeneration, Alan Douglas said: “The public view, now demonstrated over a number of years, is that these types of premises do nothing to add to the vibrancy of our communities. They adversely affect people on low incomes and who may already be struggling with their finances, particularly during a cost of living crisis.
“I welcome moves to strengthen planning policy ensuring that these types of premises do not overrun our town centres and local centres.”