A new casino is gearing up to open on Northgate Street despite various objections raised during the licensing process.

In July 2025, Cheshire West and Chester Council approved proposals to convert an empty city centre unit into a casino. The following month, a licensing application was submitted, which was later approved.

Webbers Casino Slots, which already operates a similar venue on Frodsham Street, applied to remodel the unit formerly occupied by Lambretta, which vacated the premises in August 2022.

The original design and access statement revealed that multiple attempts had been made to market the Grade II-listed property, with only a "limited" number of enquiries received.

Despite public objections, planning officers approved the scheme, citing concerns about the length of time the unit had remained vacant.

They said: "The LPA considers that bringing the unit back into productive use - albeit one that is restricted to adults - would contribute positively to the vitality of the area and incur the potential to serve a significant proportion of the population.

"The proposed development will facilitate the retention of the existing shopfront and the reactivation of a commercial unit that has remained vacant for several years."

Several objections were raised, including concerns about noise. These were dismissed due to the unit's location on a "busy commercial street", with "a number of restaurants, bars and a nightclub in the nearby vicinity."

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In November 2025, Cllr Katrina Kerr and Cllr Ben Walker spoke out against the licensing application, citing its proximity to local businesses which are "attractive to young people".

At the time, Cllr Kerr said: "The Gambling Act 2005 specifically ask councils to protect minors and vulnerable people. Webbers literally couldn't have chosen a worse location - it's just an opportunistic attempt to get a foothold in an area heavily frequented by young and vulnerable people."

Following news of its opening, she added: "Many wrote in to protest but they still approved the wretched thing / I have no idea what was discussed once we left the room - clearly not what should be allowed in the centre of Chester.

"I'm furious and very disappointed in the panel and the officers who advised them."

In approving the plans, an officer added: "It is considered that, given the location of the unit on an already busy commercial street, as well as the proposed hours of the unit ensuring that the use of the unit does not continue late into the night, there will be no significant harm arising from the noise of the proposed use."

Concerns about gambling addiction were also raised but dismissed by planning officers due to a "lack of evidence".

They said: "These concerns have been noted by the LPA, however, the operation of the business would be controlled by the requirements of the Gambling Commission and there is no evidence to suggest that these requirements would or could not be adhered to."

Objections also cited the potential for increased antisocial behaviour and questioned the viability of the business. However, both concerns were dismissed as not representing "a conflict with planning policy".

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The officer added: "It is also noted that there is no substantive evidence before the LPA to demonstrate that the business would not be viable or that it would fail.

"Each application, however, is considered on its own merits and the granting of planning permission in one location for a certain use would not prejudice the outcome of another application in a nearby proximity."

The venue will be restricted to customers aged 18 and over, with opening hours from 9am to 11pm.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, the sale or consumption of alcohol on the premises while gambling facilities are in use is prohibited. This rule must be clearly displayed at every entrance.

The physical layout of the venue must match the floor plan submitted with the application, and any cash machines must be positioned so customers have to stop gambling to use them.

Webbers Casino Slots has been contacted for comment. This article will be updated if a response is received.