Despite already having approval from a draft council gambling policy, British developer Argent is relying upon the voice of the people of Camden as to whether or not they will move forward on controversial plans to build a 1,500 square foot casino on the King’s Cross lands.

Residents and businesses alike will be included in the questioning, including voicing their opinion on whether or not council should in fact council should pass a three-year resolution to stop any new casinos from being developed. Given that Camden Council failed to apply for on the government’s 17 new casino licenses, the future of a casino in the borough is looking bleaker by the day. Despite everything, Argent is insistent on hearing the consensus of the people before proceeding.

“We have got outline permission for a casino but we would still need to get full planning permission from the council to build one,â€? a source close to the project has said. “The King’s Cross site is a long-term project and it will be 10 to 15 years before anything is complete. But we’ll consult with people nearer the time to see if they want a casino.â€?

Already, opposition forces are lining up to let their stance be heard. “It would be terrible. This is a depressed area. People have enough problems without encouraging them to go to a casino,� said Lin Potter, chairman of the Agar Grove Tenant Management Co-op, representing 137 households.

Camden Council will continue to consult through October 11, using new powers afforded them by local authorities to license gambling premises such as bingo halls and casinos.

posted by Rex Harris