A bookmaker has appealed against the council’s decision to refuse it a betting licence.

Betting firm Paddy Power applied to Haringey Council for a licence to open a new Wood Green branch in April, but the application was refused following widespread objection from residents.

The company wanted to open a shop at 606 Lordship Lane, near the junction with Dunbar Road.

However, the council’s licensing committee said that it felt a new betting shop on would add to anti-social behaviour problems in the area.

Cllr Ali Demirci, former head of the licensing committee, said: “It was a long meeting but we felt we couldn’t pass the application at this time because we felt it would exacerbate issues of crime, disorder and nuisance.”

The only way the council can currently prevent Paddy Power from operating in the area is by refusing it a license on the grounds that a new shop would increase crime and disorder in  the area.

The Gambling Act 2005 states that concern at the number of bookmakers already trading in an area is not grounds for refusing a license.

Haringey Council is one of several councils to have asked the Government to place betting shops in a special planning category to make it easier for planning authorities to refuse permissions for change of use.

Paddy Power currently do not need to apply for planning permission, and can only be refused a licence. 

The appeal hearing will now be heard at Tottenham Magistrates Court.

Haringey Council was unable to comment on the appeal while legal proceedings are ongoing.