A plan for a 24-hour ‘adult gaming centre’ has drawn a raft of objections from neighbours who fear it will bring crime, noise and anti-social behaviour.

Cashino Gaming wants to turn the former NatWest bank at 48 Ballards Lane, Finchley, into a centre for slot machine games.

It has applied for the venue to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cashino claims to have “an emphasis on low-stake slot gaming with pay-outs that range from £5 to £500”.

But the application has so far received more than 600 objections on Barnet Council’s planning portal and only two letters of support.

Many opponents raise concerns it would lead to crime, disorder and nuisance – including noise and anti-social behaviour – and have a negative impact on already vulnerable people.

Simon Maguire, who lives in Courthouse Road, wrote: “We know that the gambling industry preys rapaciously on vulnerable people, particularly at this difficult time, when many have lost control of their income and finances. More gambling is not what any residential area needs.”

Hannah Chapman, of Cyprus Avenue, commented: “We object on the following grounds. Crime, disorder and public nuisance: experience shows that such premises increase levels of deprivation in an area and provide a magnet for the homeless and those likely to cause disruption through drunken or irresponsible behaviour, especially in the late nights and early mornings.”

Phillipa Harris, of Hutton Grove, said: “This location is where children are frequently passing by on their travel to and from schools. Gambling is not something helpful to be encouraged in the area given the concerns regarding public health and wellbeing.”

The application has yet to be considered by a council planning committee.

A document submitted by Praesepe, which owns Cashino, says it does not provide fixed odds betting terminals and its machines “offer low stakes ranging from 10p to a maximum of £2”.

It adds noise levels from its venues are “very low and limited”, and customers after midnight tend to be shift workers and those in the local entertainment workforce.

The document says Cashinos bring benefits such as jobs, investment, increased footfall on the high street and “natural surveillance” late into the evening.

Praesepe and the applicant’s planning agent have been approached for comment.

The application can be viewed by visiting Barnet Council’s planning portal and entering reference: 20/3147/FUL

The planning portal is available here.