Willesden Green residents have voiced strong objections to a proposal for an Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) at 1 Walm Lane, citing concerns about the neighbourhood's character and potential negative impacts.
The Brent Council Planning Committee convened on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, to discuss the application, among other planning matters. The proposal involves converting a vacant bank into an AGC, with minor alterations to the front of the building. The site is located within the Willesden Green Town Centre and the Willesden Conservation Area.
According to the meeting agenda, the council received 66 objections to the plan. Concerns raised included the proximity of existing gaming centres, the potential for unsocial hours, and the impact on wellbeing and safety. Objectors also argued that the AGC would negatively affect the neighbourhood's character.
During the meeting, Councillor Liz Dixon voiced concerns about the proximity of the proposed AGC to other similar establishments. She questioned whether the council was getting too close to the policy limit of 3% of town centre frontage consisting of adult gaming centres or pawnbrokers/payday loan shops. Planning officers clarified that the proposal would bring the total to 2.54%, still within the limit.
Councillor Ajmal Akram raised concerns about noise, particularly given the proposed late opening hours. While a noise impact assessment was not carried out, officers stated that conditions would be put in place to limit noise levels, including restrictions on opening hours and noise from gaming machines.
Despite the objections, the Planning Committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions. Councillor Dixon voted against the proposal, citing its impact on the local character and conservation area. She argued that the AGC would not positively contribute to the vibrancy of the high street.
Conditions attached to the approval include restricted opening hours (08:00 to 23:00 Mondays to Fridays, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank and Public holidays) and a limit on noise levels from the premises. A servicing management plan will also be required to ensure that delivery vehicles do not obstruct the junction and pedestrian crossing near the site.