A NEW betting shop in Herefordshire, which would create new jobs, is now a step closer, despite plans being labelled "dismal".

BoyleSports wants to open a bookies in George Place, in Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye but first needs its plans approved by planners.

The company, based in Ireland but entering the UK in 2019, has applied to Herefordshire Council to change the use of the shop, as well as make external alterations and get advertisement consent.

That advertisement consent for two non-illuminated signs, one which would be on the building's fascia, and another projecting.

Recommending approval, case officer Gemma Webster said the proposed sign on the frontage and the handing projecting sign were not considered to be excessive and is acceptable in terms of design and colour, within the context of its surroundings within the retail high street.

"The proposed signage will not have an impact upon public safety, and although the site is located within an area of historic value it is discrete and in keeping with the signage within the town centre," she added.

"Therefore this proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on the subject premises or on its surroundings, and I recommend it for approval."

The outcome of the planning permission, which would see the change of use go from class E (commercial, business and services) to sui generis (betting office) with external alterations, has not yet been decided.

A design and access statement by agents Lichfields said the company was founded in 1989 by John Boyle, and has since grown to over 300 shops in Ireland and the UK, offering telephone, mobile and online betting and gaming services.

The document said the company wanted to update the shop front, put two satellite dishes on the roof and add two air conditioning units to the rear of 2 George Place.

"The unit is currently being used temporarily on a rolling basis by the Ross Pre-School charity and as such we consider the unit is currently underused," consultants said.

"The current occupier, who has occupied the property since December 2016, covers utilities with nominal rent.

"The last permeant [sic] beneficial occupation was as a ‘job centre’ which ended in March 2015."

Documents said that three full-time and three part-time jobs would be created if the bookies was allowed to open.

"In addition, each new Boyle Sports unit creates 26 temporary construction jobs over the six to eight week construction period.

"It also creates ongoing, indirect employment, through the supply chain for consumables, waste management and utilities."

There has been resistance to the plans though, with five objections.

Jules Palliser said: "I am very concerned that yet another betting office is to be granted planning permission in Ross-on-Wye.

"Not only are there already two gambling/betting shops in our beautiful town, but the dismal prospect of another?

"I find this somewhat distasteful considering the efforts of many shop owners and market traders who work very hard to raise the tone of the town rather than belittle it."

She also question if the problem of gambling addiction was "not prevalent enough in our society".

Penny Comley, of Gloucester Road, agreed, adding: "We already have two betting shops in Gloucester Road and surely a third would be overkill?

"In these days of severe monetary restrictions, we should not be encouraging people who can ill afford it to place bets.

"The current charity shop use is far more beneficial to the community than another betting shop."

A decision on plans will be made in due course.