Two firms compete for casino licence

Following the July 30 deadline for stage 1 applications to host a small casino, Scarborough Council, as licensing authority, has received two applications.

One is from Nikolas Shaw Ltd for an extension to the Opera House Casino between St Thomas Street and North Street in the town centre.

The other is from Apollo Leisure Ltd for a new development at the North Bay, on the site of the upper and lower car parks between Burniston Road and Ryndle Crescent, near the Open Air Theatre.

In 2007 the government appointed a Casino Advisory Panel, which identified Scarborough as one of a number of local authority areas to host small casinos.

David Archer, Scarborough Council's strategic director said: "Stage 1 is only the beginning of the formal licensing process, which could take up to 12 months to conclude, and at this stage the applications only have to show outline plans."

As part of stage 1, the council is now inviting representations on the applications with a closing date of August 26. Dependent on the outcome of stage 1, applicants will go on to a second stage.

At this point, they must submit detailed plans and proposals for evaluation by the licensing committee, which will make the final decision.

Council bosses stress the licensing process should not be confused with the planning application process – and any development would need planning permission.

The applications have been published online at: www.scarborough.gov.uk/casino and copies can be requested by calling 01723 232323 or email [email protected].