Betting firm Ladbrokes has overcome the first hurdle of its controversial plan to open a bookies on an "exclusive" shopping street.
The firm has been given planning permission to change the front of a disused shop in Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester.
Other traders in the road and nearby Francis street had collected 60 names on a petition against Ladbrokes opening.
They said a national chain would not fit in to an area well-known for independent shops and they were worried about having the betting shops customers hanging around on the street. Concerns were also raised about a lack of parking to accommodate the bookies' customers.
Despite the campaign, members of Leicester City Council's development control committee approved the plan last night.
Committee chairman councillor Patrick Kitterick said: "People may say 'I'd prefer it not to be a betting shop but our powers to discriminate in this situation is limited."
Ladbrokes still need to secure a betting licence for the premises. Their application will be discussed by councillors on May 2.
