A BOOKMAKER intent on taking over a well-loved record shop in Tottenham will battle Haringey Council after it refused planning permission.

Paddy Power intends to lodge an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate over the council's decision to block its new store.

Every Bodies Music, formerly Body Music, is one of the the borough's oldest independent record stores but is struggling to meet high rent charges and is set to close.

The iconic shop sits on the corner of High Road, Tottenham, and West Green Road, and is the first thing that greets commuters emerging from Seven Sisters Tube station.

The planning officer who refused the application, said the betting shop would be "an unwelcome use on a prominent corner that would have a negative impact on the centre's ability to attract retailers".

He added it would also contradict the future vision for the borough, the Haringey Unitary Development Plan, which aims to protect vibrant businesses in town centres.

Despite the setback, Paddy Power has vowed to fight on as it already owns the lease on the property and hopes the Planning Inspectorate will overturn the decision.

Darren Haines, Paddy Power spokesman, said: "We are continuing to speak to Haringey Council about the planning application and we will be going back to them with thoughts.

"As it stands, we do intend to appeal."

Haringey Council acknowledged an informal indication the bookmakers appeal had been made, but said nothing had been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate at present.

Community campaigners opposed to betting shops have collected more than 400 signatures against the bookmakers.

Tottenham Green ward councillor Isidoros Diakedes said: "There are two things going on here. We want to keep Every Bodies Music. It's an asset to this community and part of the area's history. The second thing is we do not want Tottenham to become nothing but a parade of betting shops. There are already eight bookmakers in High Road, Tottenham, and three in West Green Road.

"Landlords and freeholders know betting shops can afford to pay high rents that small businesses such as food shops, clothes shops, nail salons and hairdressers cannot afford to pay. These are the types of shops that are important. These are the types of shops we need, but are at risk of getting driven out."