Plans to convert Whitby’s last remaining bank into a 24-hour gambling venue have been rejected after strong opposition from residents and local business owners. Despite the promise of a £500,000 investment, North Yorkshire Council declined the bid, citing the scale and consistency of public objections.
The Halifax branch on Baxtergate is set to close in May, and Luxury Leisure had planned to take over the building and open a 24-hour gambling venue, prompting strong pushback from more than 500 residents and business owners.
Many said the location wasn’t right for that kind of development, especially in a town known for its heritage and quiet, family-friendly feel. They argued it would bring late-night noise, change the atmosphere of the high street, and send the wrong message about where the town is heading.
While opposition to physical gambling venues is growing in Yorkshire, that hasn’t stopped people from playing. A lot of people have turned to non gamstop play options, which come with fewer restrictions, bigger bonuses, and none of the visibility that physical locations bring. The appeal lies in flexibility and privacy, both increasingly important as communities continue to push back against developments that clash with local identity.
Local MP Alison Hume formally opposed the proposal and presented a petition to Parliament, urging the council to reject the application. “People in Whitby want shops and services,” she said, “not a 24-hour casino in the middle of the high street.” She argued that replacing the town’s last bank with a gambling venue showed misplaced priorities, particularly in a community already underserved when it comes to basic high street facilities.
The case has drawn attention from other towns in East Yorkshire, where similar concerns have been raised about high street vacancies and the types of businesses moving into those spaces. In places like Bridlington and Beverley, local leaders are paying close attention to how Whitby’s response may set the tone for future applications across the region.
Luxury Leisure argued that its proposed venue would be a gaming centre with no noisy arcade machines or underage access, and claimed it would tap into a growing market while supporting local economic activity. But in the end, the strength of community feedback outweighed those promises, as many residents made clear that their opposition wasn’t to gambling itself, but to the scale, visibility, and location of the proposed venue.
The company has up to twelve weeks to appeal the council’s decision, though no formal announcement has been made at this stage. Local campaigners say they remain ready to challenge any renewed attempt, arguing that the message from residents has already been made clear and should not be ignored.
For now, the building remains a bank, though its long-term use remains uncertain, and its location in the centre of town means whatever comes next is likely to face similar scrutiny. As more towns across East Yorkshire deal with the effects of branch closures, the pressure to find new uses for prominent spaces continues to grow.
Whitby’s response has drawn attention because it highlights how local opinion is playing a more active role in shaping high streets, especially as communities look to protect their identity amid a changing retail and planning landscape.
