UK bookmaker Betfred‘s plan to launch the nation’s first ‘racino’ took a major step forward last week after Chelmsford officials gave the project their blessing.

On January 6, Chelmsford City Council granted planning permission for the opening of a casino at the Chelmsford City Racecourse, formerly known as the Great Leighs. The casino is part of an ambitious expansion plan centered around a five-story grandstand building that will feature a sportsbook, fitness complex, conference center and other amenities that will allow the facilities to stay open 365 days a year.

Betfred hold a majority stake in the racecourse, which hopes to become the first European track to offer floodlit racing on a new turf track inside the existing racing surface. The track also plans to host up to 10 live music concerts per year, with capacity for up to 7k spectators in the new stands.

Chelmsford City Council approved the plan over the objections of some locals who fear an unwanted influx of late-night revelers. A report submitted to the council advised that “the number of visitors to the site during unsociable hours is not likely to be high” and, given “the remoteness of the building from residential properties, there is no sound planning reason to limit the hours of use of the casino.”