Kensington and Chelsea approves 24-hour gambling venue opposite Earl’s Court station

Residents of Earl’s Court will see a 24-hour gambling venue open opposite the Tube station after Kensington and Chelsea Council granted Silvertime Amusements a licence on 15 May 2025. The decision overrides a planning refusal issued in April 2025 for the same site, a former Lloyds bank at 177-179 Earl’s Court Road.

The council’s licensing committee approved the application despite 346 objections from the local community. Objections included concerns about increased gambling harm in an area already marked by high deprivation and inequality, as reported by MyLondon.

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Councillors and advocates warn of local impact

All three Earl’s Court ward councillors opposed the licence. Councillor Linda Wade, speaking to MyLondon, said the decision failed to account for vulnerable residents, including those in supported hostels and general housing with complex needs. She criticised the council for not consulting Public Health before the decision.

The impact of this application cannot be overstated. It is detrimental to the local area, it does not recognise the level of street livers who are vulnerable and the need to beg, it has targeted an area of deprivation in a borough with the highest level of inequalities.

Councillor Linda Wade, Earl’s Court ward

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Human rights advocate Bianca Jagger also objected, stating that children in the area must be protected from harm. MyLondon reported her comments alongside those of local councillors.

Operator defends relocation plans

Silvertime Amusements, represented by legal counsel Andrew Woods, argued that the new venue would provide better facilities than its current site at 169 Earl’s Court Road. The company has operated there for a decade without reported issues, according to Woods, as reported by MyLondon.

The proposed venue would increase the number of gambling machines from 26 to 40. Silvertime must also employ a Security Industry Authority-trained door supervisor at all times if the venue opens. The operator is required to close its existing site before the new one can begin trading.

What happens next

Silvertime Amusements must now appeal the council’s planning refusal to proceed with the new venue. The outcome of that appeal will determine whether the licence can be used. The council has indicated it will consult Public Health in future licensing decisions, as reported by MyLondon.