THE opening of a fifth betting shop on a city centre street could drive people away from an area that is undergoing a major regeneration, Conservation officers fear.

A planning application to convert the former Bronx bar on Broadway into the city’s first branch of Jenningsbet was submitted to Bradford Council last month.

If approved, it would be the fifth betting shop on a row of six units, with Subway being the only non-gambling premises.

Jenningsbet has also now submitted an application for a gambling licence for the unit, which would allow it to open from 7am to 10pm every day.

The application comes as Broadway undergoes a major transformation – becoming a pedestrianised plaza.

The work, part of the Government-funded, multi-million pound Transforming Cities Fund, involves pedestrianisation of a number of city streets.

On Broadway, which is just yards from City Hall and the location of the planned new park that will replace Hall Ings, a new stepped planter is being built immediately outside the former bar unit. Once complete, it will include a new green space and seating for visitors to enjoy the traffic-free area.

If the betting shop plan is approved, it will mean this new landscaped seating area would look out over a row of five betting shops.

And with Britannia House, a Council office building, taking up the opposite side of that stretch of the street, it would leave a new plaza in an area with just one non-gambling related business.

The empty unit that could become the fifth betting shop on BroadwayThe empty unit that could become the fifth betting shop on Broadway (Image: T&A)

In its application, the company said: “This shop and the location have been specifically identified to meet a need for its prospective customers in this location and Jenningsbet’s overall strategy to expand its operations into the north of England."

It pointed out that the unit has been empty for several months, and claimed the new bookmakers would be an "opportunity to avoid a prolonged period of vacancy and to provide economic investment in the unit which will create additional vitality and footfall in the area.”

But a Council officer thinks the business could have the opposite effect.

Commenting on the application, Council Conservation Officer Hannah Meekings said: “The proposed use has the potential to impact on the character, ambience and levels of activity in the area, all of which make a contribution to Conservation Area character.

“It is noted that out of a group of six commercial units on this small area of Broadway, that there are already four existing betting/gambling establishments.

“The proposal will result in five units being betting/gambling uses.

“The conservation area is a city centre area from which its vibrancy is derived from having a wide range of commercial, retail and leisure facilities and activities.

“The proliferation of one particular use in a small area alters this dynamic and can be harmful to local distinctiveness, sense of place and can deter footfall and levels of activity in that particular area.

“It is acknowledged that high levels of vacancy can also provide a threat to conservation area character, but this part of the conservation area is not particularly affected by high levels of vacancy at ground floor level.”

Haris Akhtar has objected to the application. His submission to the Council’s planning department said: “The concentration of betting shops can deter other types of businesses from operating in the area, resulting in a less diverse and vibrant retail environment.

“Independent shops and cafes might struggle to compete, resulting in a decline in foot traffic and economic vitality.

“Furthermore, a 2015 study by the British Property Federation suggested that an overabundance of betting shops could lead to a “blighting effect” on local high streets, potentially lowering property values and discouraging investment.

“Bradford is set to be the UK City of Culture in 2025, a title that reflects the city’s rich cultural potential and future growth.

“A new betting shop does not align with this vision, which should focus on fostering creativity, well-being, and economic resilience. Instead of contributing to the city’s cultural and economic development, a betting shop would detract from these goals, especially in light of the current economic hardships many residents face.”

A decision on the application is expected next month.