Plans to open another 24-hour gambling arcade in Chatham High Street have been turned down.

Medway Council has rejected a planning application to create a new venue in the former Gadcet shop, near McDonald’s.

The gambling arcade was set to open in the spring and would have operated 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

The plans were put forward by Slots Trading Ltd, which has a branch in Week Street, Maidstone.

But their hopes have been dashed as council planners threw out the plans over concerns about an “over-concentration of gambling establishments.”

A council report said: “There are two other arcades located on this part of the High Street with one being located directly opposite the application site.

“There are also three betting shops within 150 metres and, although these are not arcades, they represent a use centred on gambling and away from the retail uses.

“The over-concentration of these uses gives rise for concern regarding the impact on mental and physical health and wellbeing, amenity, vitality, viability and diversity and therefore the proliferation and concentration of these uses should be carefully managed.”

The 24-hour nature of the venue would also affect neighbouring residents due to increased noise and disturbance, the council said.

Already operating in the High Street are Betfred, Coral, City Slots, William Hill, RedNine and Mr P’s Classic Amusements.

And opposite the site is an existing 24-hour gambling arcade, Admiral Casino.

The former Gadcet shop, which sold second-hand electronics, closed in 2023 and was then put on the market for a yearly rent of £35,000.

It is not yet known if Slots Trading Ltd will appeal the refusal.