Stephen has welcomed the decision by Newham Council to refuse plans to convert the former Denmark Arms pub into an adult gaming centre.
The application, submitted by 311 Investments Ltd, proposed turning the ground floor of the Grade II listed building at the junction of Barking Road and High Street North into a slot machine venue. Councillors rejected the plans, citing the loss of a valued public house, harm to a historic building, and concerns about the concentration of gambling premises in the area.
Stephen had previously written to Newham Council to oppose the proposal. In his letter, he warned that a large gambling venue in such a prominent location would be damaging to East Ham town centre.
Speaking about the decision, Stephen said: “I am very pleased that the Council has refused this application. The Denmark Arms is an important building at the heart of East Ham, and this proposal was clearly the wrong use for such a prominent site.
“Residents have been clear in their opposition. East Ham already has too many gambling venues, and adding another would have made the High Street feel less welcoming and less safe for families.”
He added:
“The Council was right to recognise both the heritage value of the building and the wider impact on the community. We need to support uses that strengthen the High Street and bring people together, not those that can contribute to harm and anti-social behaviour.”
In his earlier letter, Stephen highlighted concerns raised by constituents about the growing number of gambling establishments locally. He warned that further expansion would weaken the local shopping area and undermine efforts to improve the town centre.
Planning officers and councillors concluded that the proposal would harm the character of the listed building and lead to an overconcentration of gambling uses in East Ham. They also raised concerns around public safety and late-night activity linked to the proposed 24-hour operation.