Backed by Wolverhampton Council’s planning committee 18 months ago, a plan to expand racing and gaming at Dunstall Park has been given the thumbs down by the UK government’s local government chief, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. It would seem that all the odds were in favour of creating Europe’s first racino – new jobs, improved leisure facilities, much-needed extra accommodation and conference space, and significant economic benefits.

It was agreed that the racecourse owners Arena Leisure and the Gala Group had demonstrated a need for a casino in the area and that the project would bring many economic advantages to the region. Also, that by attracting more tourists and players the Wolverhampton shopping centre would not be adversely affected. However, after a planning inquiry by the government office, the project has been turned down.

The ruling is that the existing green belt status of the land is more important. The proposed development is deemed to potentially impact substantially on the open green belt countryside. Wolverhampton Council has already initiated steps to change the green belt status of the site, but the outcome of that inquiry will not be known until later this year. In the meantime, the racino project is on hold. (E-07.11.05)

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