A decision to allow another betting shop to open in Waltham Forest has been described as a “kick in the teeth”.

Last year the council’s planning committee refused Paddy Power permission to open to new branches in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, and High Road, Leyton.

It followed concerns raised by police over crime and anti-social behaviour associated with betting shops, as well as criticism of the number of branches in certain areas.

Paddy Power already has a large branch at the nearby site of the former Bakers Arms pub.

Paddy Power appealed against the decision and the Planning Inspectorate rejected the committee’s reasons for refusal.

Claire Coghill, cabinet member for economic growth, said the ruling goes against the wishes of residents concerned about the proliferation of betting shops.

She said: “It’s a real kick in the teeth for local people who have been pressing us to do everything we can to stop more betting shops springing up on their local high streets.”

“The sad fact is that while we fight them as best as we can, we are being prevented from stopping all of the applications from succeeding in spite of our best efforts.”

For more on this story see Thursday's Waltham Forest Guardian