00:00Sunderland City Council planning officers have refused Boyle Sport's proposal
00:04to open a betting shop in the main business unit of the redeveloped railway station.
00:10Council public health officers said the shop would exacerbate
00:13a rigorously evidenced gambling-related health issue
00:16and increase exposure in an already saturated city centre.
00:21A council health assessment estimated over 30,000 Sunderland residents
00:26are affected by gambling-related harm, especially those in poverty
00:30or with mental health issues.
00:33Boyle Sports retains the right to appeal the council's decision,
00:37which came after 25 objections during a consultation
00:40that warned the station area is already saturated with betting venues.
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