Beeston set for large casino?

Could there be a new large casino in Leeds United's West Stand?

Elland Road football ground in Beeston is one of five locations which will be considered as the site for a large casino in Leeds, it has been revealed.

Locations at Eastgate, Quarry Hill, Leeds United Football Club’s redeveloped John Charles West Stand, Clarence Dock and City Square have all been earmarked by developers as possible casino sites, said Leeds City Council.

Local residents now have until 24 May to make their views known about the five applications, the council said. The applications are available to view via the council’s Public Access website or at the offices at St George House, 40 Great George Street, Leeds, LS1.

A final council decision on the casino site is expected in spring 2013.

Leeds is one of only eight local authorities in England with powers to grant a large casino licence. The licence allows 150 gaming machines with a maximum jackpot of £4,000 and a gaming area of at least 10,764 sq ft (1,000 sq m). A council statement said:

“As the granting of a casino licence is a statutory process, Leeds City Council will make no comment on any of the applications and the council has no preferred location or applicant.”

The Elland Road area will also see a new Holbeck Police HQ built and the council is considering a new park and ride commuter car park off Elland Road.

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