It would seem sensible to grant councils the power to put a cap on the number of certain types of businesses – betting shops, for example – that are allowed to open up on the High Street.

The Local Government Association’s (LGA) call for a change in the law to allow local authorities the power to stop more bookies opening up because there are already too many in one area would be extremely beneficial to Bradford.

The Council has already acted to stop a second branch of BetFred to open in the city by refusing it planning permission.

Unfortunately, the company has announced its plan to appeal against the Council’s ruling, and without any legal power for an authority to refuse permission on the grounds of there already being too many, it may have a good case under existing planning law. We have already seen the company successfully overturn an initial rejection of its first shop, on Market Street.

By taking up the LGA’s suggestion, the Government would strengthen the position of authorities fighting to protect the integrity of their city centres considerably.

There must be a real fear in this case that the precedent that has already been set will see this latest appeal overturn the Council’s decision.

If that happens, still more of our empty shops could end up being used for gambling, with amusement arcades and bingo halls also currently enjoying a resurgence. It is vital that our elected councillors should be the ones deciding what planning development is allowed in our city centre.

Not, as could be the case here, an inspector bound by legal technicalities. Which is why it is so important that local authorities are some form of legal recourse to restrict shops like bookies from springing up all over our High Streets.