Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

IS there light at the end of the tunnel? Does a recent appeal decision offer some hope for those who would like to see Warrington town centre radically changed to become more family friendly?
A planning inspector has ruled that a “drinking establishment” should not be allowed in Barbauld Street.
Not because it would harm the Bridge Street Conservation Area (although we think, actually, it would), but purely because of its impact on crime and disorder.
Now, if one drinking establishment causes disorder, so, surely do others. In fact, we all know that most of the pubs and clubs in the town centre contribute to the general threatening atmosphere which has made it a no-go area for so many people of an evening.
So has a precedent been established? Can all applications for drinking establishments in the town centre be refused on the grounds they will cause crime and disorder?
The inspector seems to think the fact that Barbauld Street is a cul-de-sac makes a difference but we do not agree. Much of the town centre is pedestrianised, creating virtual cul-de-sacs, so is just as difficult to police as Barbauld Street.
We realise all planning applications have to be judged individually but it seems to us that in Warrington town centre it should now be much easier to refuse consent for drinking establishments purely on the grounds of crime and disorder.
Let us hope the planners will have the courage to do so.