Littlehampton gaming centre can extend opening hours

Cassino Slots in Littlehampton has been given permission to extend its opening hours to midnight every day.

Arun District Council has approved an application to vary the opening hours of the business from 9am-9pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sundays to 9am-midnight every day, including bank holidays.

The business currently operates as an adult gaming centre and licenced betting office and is located at 48-50 High Street.

A response from Sussex Police said the change of hours would result in increased footfall in the early hours.

It added: “A large degree of sensitivity will be required to make sure the local community is not unduly disturbed, and it will therefore be a matter for the applicant to ensure that this is managed in the most appropriate manner.”

The applicant currently has an Operational and Security Management plan in place which includes CCTV during opening hours, staff controlled entry, incident logs and checks to prevent anyone under 18 from entering.

Littlehampton Town Council objected to the plans with concerns over noise and disturbance impacting local residents and agreed with comments made by Sussex Police.

The application also received one objection letter from a neighbour who stressed the issue of anti-social behaviour and that new opening times could impact the town’s aim of being a family-friendly location.

However, planning officers concluded that the extended hours would not cause an ‘unacceptable’ impact as there have been no previous complaints over noise or disorder.

They added that there are already three pubs in the surrounding area that are open until midnight or later and so the new operating times of the casino would not appear out of place.

The application was approved by the council’s planning committee on Thursday, August 27.