Merkur Slots win appeal to open in ex-Santander shop

Back in the spring Merkur Slots, the gambling company, was refused planning permission to turn 53 Sydenham Road (the premises formerly occupied by Santander) into an ‘adult gaming centre’. The planning application attracted 92 objections – one of the highest levels of objections ever lodged by the local community. Merkur subsequently appealed the refusal of consent and we’ve now heard that the Planning Inspectorate has overturned Lewisham’s decision. The business will open once the shopfront has been installed (in line with a separate planning application) and will operate from 9am to 2am, Monday to Sunday.

The Sydenham Society regrets this decision but is pleased that the premises will at long last be refurbished and the multiple posters and graffiti that disfigure the shopfront will finally be removed.