Residents are celebrating after a betting shop was refused planning permission.

Colindale Village Residents' Association (CVRA) are "jubilant" after a new Paddy Power shop was refused planning permission to build into a plot in Colindale Avenue.

Barnet Council previously refused the application but a controversial vote at the end of October led to the refusal being revoked, at which point the council's CEO intervened so the decision could again be considered by the committee.

Nine members voted to refuse the application, while two voted against the refusal.

Joey Skye, CVRA chairman, said: "This is a great victory for the community that worked tirelessly putting together strong grounds for refusal. It was far from an easy journey as only last month the committee voted to approve Paddy Power’s application. That decision was later overturned due to pressure from the community, who pointed out that the correct procedure had not been followed.

"Paddy Power may decide to ignore the wishes of our residents and appeal the decision. No matter what, the CVRA and the community as a whole are more determined than ever to do what it takes to build a strong vibrant community free from unwanted betting shops.

"Yes to People Power!"

In September the council's planning committee refused Paddy Power's application to build, but at the end of October, when the committee was to vote on the reasons for their refusal, they could not come to an agreement and as a result, the application was given permission.

Various members of the public and politicians, including Andrew Dismore AM, sought for October's decision to be overturned as the membership of the committee was different to those present in September's meeting, where members of the public made presentations.

Andrew Dismore AM also celebrated the decision.

He said: "I am very pleased that despite officer advice, the committee saw the importance of turning this application down for very valid planning reasons.

"This will mean that the shop unit can be let to a business that will serve the local community rather than be at odds with it."