A controversial bid to open a betting shop inside Sunderland’s main railway station is facing a new twist after it was initially rejected over fears of spreading gambling harm.

An appeal has been lodged against Sunderland City Council’s decision to block proposals from BoyleSports to open a betting office in the train station’s main business unit in Market Square.

The unit has been vacant since the multi million-pound southern concourse officially opened to the public in December 2023 and is within walking distance of several other city centre betting shops.

BoyleSports, which was once an SAFC club sponsor, has stressed that its stores “ensure responsible gambling” and said the Sunderland development would be “a significant, positive investment in a prominent vacant unit”, creating local jobs.

An appeal has been lodged over a refused BoyleSports betting shop plan for Sunderland railway station.

placeholder image — An appeal has been lodged over a refused BoyleSports betting shop plan for Sunderland railway station.

However, the council’s planning department blocked the development after council public health chiefs raised concerns about gambling-related harms.

Planning officers said the plans would “exacerbate a rigorously evidenced public health issue in relation to gambling-related harm” and would “prejudice health and wellbeing in Sunderland.”

There were also around 25 public objections to the betting shop with comments referencing gambling-related harms and describing the rail station as an unsuitable location.

The applicant has since lodged an appeal and a planning inspector will be appointed by the Government to rule on the matter.

An appeal statement argues that previous points raised by council public health bosses are “unfounded” and said the “appropriate forum for the concerns raised is the licensing regime”.

It was also argued that the plans would “maintain the health and wellbeing of people in the area” while bringing economic benefits, including increased footfall, investment into the train station unit and job creation.

The appeal statement goes on: “The proposal would significantly enhance the vitality and viability of the city centre.”

A council gambling-related harms health needs assessment in 2023 estimated that “over 30,000 residents in Sunderland are affected directly or indirectly by gambling-related harm”.

It was noted that the issue is more common among people already facing poverty or debt, mental health difficulties and unemployment.

Sunderland Station is owned by Network Rail and operated by Northern Trains.

Northern previously said it was working to attract tenants to fill vacant retail space at the station and hoped for a “fit out” of the largest retail unit in 2026.