A second 24-hour betting machine venue has been given permission to open in a shopping centre already criticised for its proliferation of gambling establishments.

The former Santander premises at the Cwmbran Centre has received approval to be transformed into an adults-only gaming establishment operating around the clock, seven days a week.

Merkur Slots already runs a 24-hour gaming arcade in the centre, while the Carousel venue operates until 7pm on six days each week.

Gateshead-based Luxury Leisure has secured planning consent to change the use of the former banking premises on North Walk, despite receiving three objections.

A local resident expressed worries that the gaming centre would be situated near a McDonald’s outlet frequented by teenagers, and highlighted concerns about the growing concentration of gambling-related businesses in the shopping centre.

In correspondence with Torfaen Borough Council’s planning department, they argued that the scheme would exacerbate the existing saturation of betting and gambling facilities in Cwmbran town centre, where Merkur Slots, Betfred and Ladbrokes already operate.

They added that rather than boosting vitality, another round-the-clock gambling venue would strengthen the bleak, lifeless atmosphere that current betting shops already give certain parts of the centre.

They further noted concerns about proximity to a public house, suggesting that pub-goers could be more susceptible to rash gambling and harm, and pointed out that the spot is particularly unsuitable because it lies within the main food court area, near McDonald’s, Burger King and other eateries where young people spend time throughout the day.

They stated that even though under-18s would be barred from entering, situating an adult gambling establishment in such a prominent youth-oriented zone normalises betting and heightens exposure for children and adolescents.

They referenced a Gambling Commission report in their objection. The two additional objections maintained that a 24-hour arcade would disturb residents living directly to the north and suggested the venue could worsen anti-social behaviour given its continuous operation, which would inevitably lead to people gathering outside the premises.

Planning officer Simon Pritchard’s report, which gave the application approval, stated that the scheme would return a vacant unit to active use and that while other comparable uses exist in the centre, the arcade was expected to draw visitors.

As the arcade is taking over a former bank, there is no reduction in retail units, and Mr Pritchard indicated that the position and trading hours of other nearby businesses, along with the distance from adjacent properties, would not produce an unacceptable effect.

He observed that the arcade will still require licensing and noted that distinct legislation exists to address matters such as customer age and anti-social behaviour, while the applicant has provided documentation on best practice measures intended to reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour and any connected adverse effects.