By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter
An outdoor clothing shop in Mansfield is due to close down and be replaced with a betting shop – despite four others already being close by in the town.
BoyleSports (UK) Limited submitted an application to Mansfield District Council to open the shop at 9-11 West Gate in Mansfield Town Centre in August 2024.
The council approved the plans on Wednesday (January 8).
The unit is currently occupied by Millets, a retail store specialising in outdoor equipment for activities like camping, cycling and skiing.
Boylesports was founded in 1989 by John Boyle and has over 300 shops in the UK and Ireland.
The betting company runs telephone, mobile and online gambling.
Council documents say Millets informed the landlord of its intention to leave the property in October 2023 down to poor trading levels.
Planning documents say: “The unit is being rented to Millets on favourable terms on a temporary basis – this enables the tenant to continue trading to run down stock levels and for the landlord to receive a small rental income, rather than operating a vacant unit.”
BoyleSports was the only company to express real interest in the site since it underwent a full marketing campaign, reports say.
The plans would see the creation of three full-time and three part-time jobs, including a part-time cleaner, and are expected to create 26 temporary construction jobs over the six to eight week alterations period.
The new licensed gambling shop will be neighboured by Greggs and Eco Vape and faces Marks & Spencer.
The shop already has a ramped entrance which is incorporated into the new plans, making it accessible.
The plans received two objections – with one person saying the town does not need another gambling site as four betting shops are already close by.
Concerns also included a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of local residents and the potential for antisocial behaviour to increase.
