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Oyston furious as casino goes ahead
SOCCER chairman Karl Oyston has labelled council planning policy as "pretty useless" after a dramatic town hall U-turn.
The Blackpool FC chairman's comments came after plans to turn the Number One social club into a casino were passed by Blackpool Council – despite planning officers calling for the scheme to be refused.
Around 100 local residents and casino workers turned up to Monday night's planning meeting to press the case for the plans.
Council officers had only wanted to grant permission for four years to casino boss Pierre Coulon because they ultimately felt the gambling establishment would be better housed long-term at the Winter Gardens.
But Mr Coulon was granted an unconditional licence allowing him to revamp the Number One, while the social club would merge with nearby Central Bowling Club.
Mr Oyston had made an inquiry to buy the Number One situated very close to his club's potential new East Stand at Bloomfield Road.
But club bosses said they had "no interest" in his offer which was below what Mr Coulon had tabled.
When told of the news Mr Oyston, who was advised by planners a casino would not be granted and therefore chose not to pursue a plan to put a casino in the new Jimmy Armfield stand, was unhappy with the decision.
"I'm very disappointed," he said. "When we made a formal approach to the council on the same issue we were told that this use (a casino) wouldn't be considered in this area.
"While it might sound like sour grapes I think there has to be some consistency. It renders the council's policy documents pretty useless if the officers recommendations are not followed.
"I'm sure there are sound reasons for the decision though and I will be reviewing it with interest."
FOR MORE ON THIS STORY SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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