A BOOKMAKER has submitted plans to move from its existing store on Bridgwater's High Street to another vacant unit 68 metres down the road.
Betfred currently operates at 23 High Street but seeks to relocate to 8 High Street, which previously housed Simply Bastins, a card and gift shop.
The change of use application would also see replacement air conditioning units installed at the back of the unit, while the building's fender, fascia and timber would be re-painted in Betfred's blue corporate colour.
The applicant is also seeking listed building consent because 8 High Street is within Royal Clarence House, a Grade II listed building. The property was on the market for a period of 17 months from January 2022.
In a letter submitted to the council as part of the application, a representative for property consultancy firm Hartnell Taylor Cook said “no viable offers were made other than the proposal from Betfred”.
If the plans go ahead, the bookmaker would be located between KFC and Greggs.
A planning and heritage statement says: “Betfred already operate a successful bookmaker business in Bridgwater town centre at 23 High Street, a short distance of 68 metres from the subject application site.
“This application seeks to facilitate a relocation of Betfred’s existing business from 23 to 8 High Street to a unit that better suits their business floorspace requirements.
“The application would not impact on the main retail function of the town centre as Betfred’s current unit at 23 High Street would in turn become available for occupation by a retail or other operator.
“In this regard, there are no additional bookmakers proposed within Bridgwater town centre and there would be no loss of a retail unit.
“The relocation of Betfred’s bookmaker business from 23 to 8 High Street would retain a successful bookmaker shop in Bridgwater town centre and brings a long-term vacant unit in a prominent position back into active use.
“As part of the licensing conditions for operating a betting shop, Betfred are generally required to relinquish their licence on their current unit at 23 High Street upon their relocation to 8 High Street.
“Therefore, there would not be a duplicate of bookmakers on the High Street.”
It adds: “As it stands, the vacant unit in a Grade II listed building does not contribute positively to enhance the town centre.
“The proposed change of use would bring the unit back into active use with an open shopfront and changing window display to support the vitality and viability of the town centre, strengthen its retail offering of shops and services, support local employment and makes a positive contribution to the built environment.”
Betfred operates another bookmaker at 10B Eastover.
Somerset Council is accepting comments on the plans (application number 08/23/00278) until August 25.
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